TACKLING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS AT THE VARSITY LEVEL

Collaboration and appointment of well-known alumnus to strengthening brand name, as well as to motivate and inspire younger generation

In realizing and highlighting the quality side and further strengthening the brand of Manipal Education Group in Malaysia, various plans have been discussed and implemented for the year 2022. In Malaysia, Manipal Education Group brand is better known in Malacca as one of the institutions that produces medical experts not only for the country, but also at the international level. In Malaysia, there are three universities under the Manipal brand, namely, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) in Malacca, which is better known for its medical and dentistry programmes and has been in Malaysia for the past 25 years. While the other two universities located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan - Manipal International University (MIU) which offers business management, engineering, and biotechnology programmes, and Manipal GlobalNxt University (MGNU) which offers online studies for postgraduate programmes.

National Astronaut Foundation (Yayasan Angkasawan Negara) was established in the early 2022 and led by Malaysian Astronaut, Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. The foundation aims to empower the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, in line with their effort to guide the younger generation towards the developments and success of the said programmes in Malaysia. They are also looking for opportunities to enhance leadership training centre, to inspire younger graduates soaring to become a successful member of the community.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)

In relation to that, as one of the initiatives to raise the image of Manipal University brand, Manipal International University (MIU), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Astronaut Foundation, led by Dato' Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, its President. This MoU has been implemented to establish an understanding on the development in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

With the signing of this memorandum, MIU and the Foundation will carry out activities to increase the awareness, encourage more participation and creating cooperation in the development of the said fields. The plan will include basic or advanced training and developing leadership training centre, to produce a generation possessing great knowledge.

This MoU was signed by MIU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Jason Fitzsimmons and the Foundation President, Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar. The ceremony was also witnessed by Datin Farah Umaira Daruwis, Honorary Secretary for National Astronaut Foundation, and Mr. Joshua Leong, Director of Business and Operations for MIU.

CONFERMENT OF ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Also happening today, MIU appointed Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar as an adjunct professor, to act as an advisor to the engineering and biotechnology program at this MIU. Adjunct professor is an honorary title for professionals, corporate figures and others who have expertise and extensive experience in a certain field, who are appointed as part-time lecturers or as advisors at institutions of higher education.

This appointment is based on the academic qualifications of Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar as a scientist and medical doctor, also his achievements as the first astronaut for Malaysia. In addition, the selection factor includes him as an alumni of the Manipal University brand, where his alma mater is the Kasturba Medical College, which is also one of the educational institutions under the umbrella of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). He completed his A-Level studies and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 1997. He then continued his career and did many motivational programs and lectures based on his extensive knowledge and experience on promoting the field of science and technology.

"This collaboration is one of MIU's efforts in empowering fields that we believe are important for the future, such as medical, engineering, and biotechnology. This is also a key factor in guiding as well as inspiring students to continue with their study, to explore opportunities and to build better future careers. We are always offering opportunities to ensure we will always have enough experts in the said areas," said Professor Dr. Jason Fitzsimmons.

He added, "The selection of the foundation and the conferment of the adjunct professor to Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar is base in his role as the President of the Foundation, as well as his knowledge, experience, and contribution to our country. I am sure Dato’ Dr. Sheikh and his foundation will have a significant impact to the learning experience of our students and universities.”

Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar also expressed his gratitude for the award given, besides being ready to shoulder the responsibility to motivate students to continue to give their best in their learning and studies.

"The younger generation always need guidance and encouragement. With the support of higher education institutions such as what Manipal International University, it is hoped that we will always have enough skilled experts to lead the fields they are engaged in. I am very grateful to my alma mater, Manipal Education Group, for giving me this opportunity to continue contributing my knowledge and experience to the younger generation," said Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar.

The ceremony witnessed the process of signing and exchanging MOUs, as well as the conferment of the Adjunct Professor to Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar by Professor Dr. Jason Fitzsimmons. The ceremony was also graced with performance by MIU students and ended with a group photo session.