of engineering, more
of planes, where the wings were only aesthetically pleasing but caused structural damage to the crushing impact and vibration of
designed to emulate those of an eco-friendly as well. surroundings, especially when pecking on trees.
eagle during flight, when taking
off and landing.
so in biomimicry as Sustainability in engineering,
more commonly phrased as
entering tunnels.
Realising that the rather blunt
A semi-elastic beak, an area of
spongy bone material behind the
it involves principles sustainable development, is rounded nose of the trains was skull and cerebrospinal fluid
How it all started of engineering and
defined as an economic
development that is conducted
the cause of the problem,
engineers designed a new nose
that work in unison to inhibit
vibration and the possibility of
Engineers have always looked
to nature for ideas when biology – two fields without depleting natural
resources.
that was inspired by the beak of
a kingfisher, which dives into
concussion.
With this knowledge, the
working on projects where the
aspired results have been
that rarely crossed One way of implementing
sustainability in engineering is
water creating minimal splash. researchers are working on a
variety of applications, including
achieved in the natural world. paths successfully through innovation. l Generating greater energy creating more shock-resistant
For example, the way green
leaves absorb sunlight for until recently. Innovation comes in many
forms, be it storing energy via
– Wind turbines that are
modelled after the bumpy
black boxes and
micrometeoroid-resistant
photosynthesis was emulated to solar panels to generate tubercle fins of humpback spaceships.
create solar panels that could electricity at a later time, whales generate the same
absorb the same energy to be designing an underground amount of power at 10 miles l The science of blending in
converted to electrical energy. tremendously to the advancement motorway that doubles as a flood (16.1km) per hour that – Squids can camouflage
Many trials and errors were of engineering. irrigation system in the event of conventional turbines generate themselves from predators
involved in the preliminary See, nature has been around for heavy rain, or using the science at 17 miles (27.4km) per hour. thanks to a complex behaviour
stages of engineering, more so in much longer than we could behind heat loss prevention in produced by a network of
biomimicry as it involves fathom, improving processes, animals to improve insulation in l Antimicrobial film specialised skin cells and
principles of engineering and innovating elements and perfecting human homes. mimicking shark skin – The muscles.
biology – two fields that rarely systems that have led to the natural To cater to individuals microscopic dermal denticles Researchers at the University
crossed paths successfully until ecosystem we live in today. interested in dipping their feet in that appear on sharks’ skin help of Houston have developed a
recently. Naturally, it makes sense to find this field of knowledge, many them fend off microorganisms. device based on the same
Nowadays, some high schools inspiration in the same universities offer courses related This inspired the US Navy to mechanics, using a flexible
in the United States are developmental process when it to sustainable development up to develop Sharklet, a material pixelated grid with actuators,
incorporating biomimetic studies comes to engineering and even the postgraduate level. based on sharks’ skin pattern to light sensors and reflectors. This
in their syllabus to engage education. For example, the Sustainable help inhibit marine growth on simulated skin could have both
students – especially those who In school, design exercises that Design MA course offered by the ships. Similarly, many hospitals military and commercial
are not into theoretical involve biomimicry provide a University of Brighton equips are using biomimetic shark skin applications in the long run.
memorisation and regurgitation more practical and participative students to rethink the film to combat cross-
– to think outside the box and structure in solving problems and parameters of good design in an contamination. l Ventilation systems based
come up with solutions to completing tasks that require unsustainable age. on the architectural prowess
everyday challenges, whether students to explore and expand Students learn to work l Harvesting water like a of termites – Even in some of
big or small. their cognitive functions. alongside experts in ecology, Stenocara beetle – Despite the hottest places on earth,
It is a known fact that children Also known as design challenges, psychology, design and business residing in one of the harshest termite mounds remain
and teenagers have more such exercises encourage students towards becoming an effective environments on the planet – the unrealistically cool inside thanks
neurons that can actively create to pay attention to how the natural agent of change. African Namib desert – this to an intricate network of
new connections compared to world developed certain systems Utrecht University offers the beetle has managed to stay intentionally created air pockets,
adults. or approaches to meet specific Bio Inspired Innovation (MSc) hydrated thanks to a pattern of which produce a natural
As such, kids can usually needs. Subsequently, they can programme, which is aimed at nodes along its back that enable ventilation system through
acquire a new language, learn a apply the new knowledge in students with a bachelor’s degree the critter to collect moisture convection.
new computer game, understand response to a similar challenge in science who want to innovate from the morning fog. Arup, an engineering firm,
the dynamics behind a sport, faced by humans. services, products and The droplets slide off bumps built an entire shopping centre
dissect complex algorithms or production systems using into small channels leading to in Zimbabwe based on this
absorb elaborate principles in a
fraction of the time it takes
A collaborative art biologically inspired design and
science.
the beetle’s mouth.
Scholars are currently
system, using 10% less energy
than a traditional air-
adults to do so. The study of biomimicry usually These courses focus on studying this beetle to create conditioned facility.
As nature is quite the teacher, goes hand in hand with that of cultivating innovators who take
biomimicry has contributed sustainability, considering that their lessons from nature.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018 3
4 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
From economics
to health research
TINA Sidhu, 25, recently graduated growing and learning more about
with an MSc Health Research from ourselves. In the process, our
the Royal College of Surgeons in I truly believe that career preferences may alter as
Ireland (RCSI) and Penang Medical
College (PMC), awarded by the if you find something well.
Tina says to never settle if you
National University of Ireland
(NUI).
you are passionate believe you are tailored for
something else – get out there and
Now in Malaysia, she spent the about, you will carve your own path if you have
majority of her years in Auckland,
New Zealand, where she completed invest yourself, to.
Discussing
healthcare
advancement
THE quest to provide healthcare compared with 9% to 10% in
as a basic human right is often Australia and 16% in the United
beset by myriad challenges such States. Funding healthcare at a
as the issue of affordability, high cost is a humongous
increasing efficiency and challenge,” he explained.
productivity, and finding ways to Prof John Benson, head of
reduce waiting time. school of the School of Business
Efforts are being made all at Monash University Malaysia,
over the world to address these lamented the vagaries of
issues and, to a certain extent, industrialisation.
alleviate the problems faced by “We know that as countries
the healthcare industry. industrialise, demands for the
The inaugural Healthcare latest healthcare technology,
Conference 2017, titled drugs and medical treatment
“Improving Health and Social will increase dramatically. We
Care Management in Malaysia: also know that as countries
Learning from Global industrialise, the population
Experience”, was held at ages.
Monash University Malaysia. “As people live longer, they
The conference brought demand more from healthcare
together the brightest minds in services. This coupled with the
their respective fields to speak increased cost of healthcare and
and network with each other in lack of skills in the field leads to
hopes of creating synergies that pricing stress.”
would help the healthcare Prof Benson shared his
industry. concerns about financing the
In his welcoming remarks, healthcare sector as costs
Healthcare Conference 2017’s skyrocket.
chair Prof Amrik Sohal of “How does a society pay for
Monash University lauded the healthcare and what
speakers for their presence to contribution will be expected
deliver ideas and experiences. from individuals such as the
“We have picked the best. younger generation? Are they
These are speakers who have going to carry the cost of
been engaged in research, financing these expenses?” he
looking at the health sectors in asked.
the United Kingdom, Australia The advent of the
and other parts of the world. technological age has brought
“They have been leading about significant improvements
major research projects, so in healthcare services, with
they have considerable better drugs and equipment.
knowledge and experience to However, these are not without
share with us today. We have any challenges.
held this type of events in “How will patients adapt to
Melbourne and other parts of new technology and will they
the world,” he said. have inflated expectations? As
Prof Amrik set the scene for an economist, I am always
the day, laying out the agenda worried about how society can
for the conference and briefly have access to quality healthcare
sharing some statistics of system,” he added.
healthcare expenditure around Tan Sri Datuk Dr Abu Bakar
the world. Suleiman, chairman of IHH
“Practitioners and Healthcare Bhd and president
policymakers will dig deep into of IMU Group, stressed the
what the challenges are for importance of having healthcare
health systems around the world be seen as not just the
today. There are unique responsibility of the government
differences between the public or healthcare providers.
and private sectors, but we do He said it is absolutely
share common challenges. imperative that people start
“Providing good healthcare practising a healthy lifestyle and
costs a lot of money and we take charge of their health.
cannot keep pumping more
money into the health system. In n For more information on the
Malaysia, healthcare various areas of research, visit
expenditure is 4.8% of the GDP, www.monash.edu.my/research
6 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018
IMU's Master of Science in Molecular Medicine equips graduates for careers in medically focused
biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Understanding
molecular medicine
INTERNATIONAL Medical University’s (IMU) important for me to appreciate my job and
Master of Science in Molecular Medicine improve current practices and services
programme caters to medical or basic offered by the laboratory.”
sciences graduates seeking advanced Mohd Fadzly’s general role is overseeing
training in cellular and molecular biology, the daily operations of the laboratory – both
genetics, and drug development and instrument and certified laboratory testing.
treatment. Specifically, he performs quality control
The programme prepares students for on histopathology slides, troubleshoots for
career opportunities in medically focused error in instruments, carries out
biopharmaceutical and biotechnology immunohistochemistry testing for all types
industries. It equips them with enhanced of solid tumour, and conducts molecular
skills to carry out research at a higher level testing such as ISH for HER2 gene in breast
in related fields. cancer patients and EBER RNA for Epstein-
The coursework is conducted in an Barr virus infection.
engaging environment to stimulate learning. In addition, he is involved in the external
Comprehensive laboratory-based training is quality assessment for technical evaluation
also provided in the form of a hypothesis- of the laboratory test.
driven and disease-oriented research “Overall, I think the curriculum of the
project. programme is well designed. In particular,
Additionally, flexible delivery in the form the student-centred learning approach
of online learning and weekend classes gives allowed me to be more independent and
adult students the opportunity for career helped build my confidence.
progression through skills upgrade and “Besides that, the online session, which
knowledge update. enables students to discuss and
Since its inauguration in 2012, the communicate with peers and lecturer
programme has attracted students from without the restriction of venue and time, is
diverse backgrounds, including medical very useful, especially for a working adult
practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, research like me,” says Mohd Fadzly.
and development scientists, laboratory He adds, “Having a higher degree would
technologists and dietitians. definitely help in career progression. Aside
Among them is Mohd Fadzly Shaharuddin, from that, I have learnt a lot from this
a scientific officer at the histopathology programme. For instance, I now have a
laboratory of Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s better understanding of the molecular basis
Department of Pathology who recently of diseases and the molecular pathway
graduated with distinction from the involved in cancer.
programme. “In addition, I am aware of the current
“Molecular testing for solid tumour is a development in stem cell technology and the
new service in my laboratory. We started application of the approach in disease
with in-situ hybridisation (ISH) testing for management and treatment.
breast cancer biopsy in 2010 and will soon “Only after joining this programme did I
be focusing on other types of solid tumour start to appreciate the contribution of
such as neuroblastoma, lung cancer, soft individual variability in lifestyle, genes and
tissue tumour, brain tumour and environment to diseases. As such, I strongly
lymphoma,” he says. believe that precision medicine is the future
“Currently, the histopathology laboratory of healthcare.”
in Hospital Kuala Lumpur is the only centre IMU offers other postgraduate
under the Health Ministry to offer ISH programmes, including taught MSc in Public
testing for solid tumours. The management Health, MSc in Analytical & Pharmaceutical
is planning to embark on more molecular Chemistry, Master of Pharmacy Practice,
testing, including genetic biomarker testing Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry,
for colorectal and lung cancer. Master of Health Professions Education, and
“As a scientific officer, I think it is MSc and PhD by research programmes.
imperative for me to gain more insight into
the molecular basis of cancer and stay n For more information, call 03-2731 7272,
abreast of the latest advancement in the e-mail postgraduate@imu.edu.my or visit
diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Both are www.imu.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018 Postgraduate 7
Making safety
a career
THE demand for individuals
certified in occupational health
and safety (OHS) is growing
steadily to ensure a safe and
healthy working environment
involving 570,000 employers and
a workforce of 14.7 million.
However, many individuals who
want to get certified in this field
cannot do so as they are not at his capacity as an expert OSH safety and health field, the tools with global changes for successful
liberty to pursue a full-time course practitioner. to solve complex OSH problems career advancement through
due to other obligations and and the means to conduct lifelong learning.”
responsibilities.
In this aspect, those who enrol in
Producing capable research that adheres to legal,
ethical and professional codes of
The MOSHRM programme at
OUM is fully accredited by the
the Master of Occupational Safety professionals practice. Malaysian Qualifications Agency
and Health Risk Management “They will also be able to and recognised by the Public Service
(MOSHRM) offered at Open Suhaila Abdul Hamid. According to Suhaila, “The demonstrate leadership qualities Department.
University Malaysia (OUM) will be programme’s educational objectives through communicating and
pleased with the course structure. are to provide students with an working effectively with peers and n For more information, visit
The OSHMP
MOSHRM’s programme director in-depth understanding of the stakeholders and keep up to date www.oum.edu.my
Suhaila Abdul Hamid says that the
course is flexible yet robust, which
is most appealing to working adults 2016-2020
who want to advance their
academic qualifications without
is expected
taking time away from their to support
careers or families.
“Our master’s programme is the National
designed in a way that I would call
unique. We are integrating
Transformation
occupational safety and health Programme
with risk management,” she says.
MOSHRM includes and Eleventh
comprehensive study in the areas
of management systems, risk
Malaysia
management, OSH legislations, six Plan, which
sigma, occupational safety,
occupational health, occupational ultimately leads
hygiene, ergonomics and security
management.
to a risk-free,
The capstone for the master’s economically
programme is a work-related
research project at the end of the sound
study.
Malaysia.
Tackling ignorance
“Every day, we face uncertainty to 2.51 per 1,000 workers and
in our personal and professional the fatal accident rate to 4.53
lives. Risk management helps us per 100,000 workers.
break down potentially risky Last year, Malaysia was
instances through analytical rated 76 on a scale of zero to
assessment,” says Suhaila. 100, 100 being the best, in the
In addition, risk management UL Safety Index by
plays a significant role in Underwriters Laboratories, a
determining the success and global independent safety
failure of an organisation. It is a science company. The score
key component to sustain robust shows that Malaysia is on the
economic growth. right track in upholding a
The Malaysian Government – safe and healthy work
through its Occupational Safety culture.
and Health Master Plan (OSHMP) “The master plan is
2016-2020 – aims to inculcate a safe expected to support the
and healthy work culture at National Transformation
workplaces through OSH Programme and Eleventh
ownership, self-regulation and a Malaysia Plan, which
preventative culture. ultimately leads to a risk-free,
The OSHMP 2016-2020 has set economically sound
targets to reduce the accident rate Malaysia,” adds Suhaila.
Putting green
energy to good use
MALAYSIA is truly a blessed country that has Although its potential is not yet optimised
an abundance of natural resources. The bad (energy generation from biomass involves
news is that we depend heavily on non- combustion, which releases pollutants into
renewable natural resources such as the environment if unregulated), an
petroleum and coal for everything from intensive use of biomass energy to replace
generating electricity to sustaining that of non-renewable natural resources can
industries. significantly improve the condition of the
In addition, the usage of these resources environment.
produces harmful gases that pollute the Biomass as a renewable energy source
environment and contribute to global will be able to serve as a better alternative
warming and health problems. and help decrease dependency on non-
This is where renewable, clean energy renewable energy.
such as biomass, solar and hydropower However, to make the most of biomass
energy come into play. energy, it will require more advanced
Renewable energy sources are usually research and technological development to
cost-effective in the long run, independent of produce biofuel of better, more sustainable
non-renewable resources and generate quality.
minimal, non-pollutant waste.
With the Earth’s polar ice caps melting
and sea levels rising at an alarming rate,
Letting clean energy shine
humans should consider these signs a Solar power is an ideal alternative energy
wake-up call from nature. source for a tropical country like Malaysia
Combating global warming and pollution located in the equatorial region.
is a worldwide effort. As a developing Our country is the third largest producer
country, where does Malaysia stand in green of photovoltaic cells and modules used for
energy development and application? solar panels after China and Taiwan.
Malaysia is also the largest supplier of solar
Power from plants cells and modules to the United States.
This renewable energy is not only almost
Many countries, including Malaysia, waste-free but is also able to help the
regard the oil palm as their main economic country economically.
plant. Malaysia is the world’s second largest This almost waste-free renewable energy
manufacturer and exporter of palm oil, source has recently inspired increased
having contributed 32.6% of the total global interest and acceptance among the
supply in 2016. Malaysian public, with the Government
Malaysia is a country with myriad taking various steps to educate, encourage
agricultural activities, generating plenty of and urge the public on usage and advantages
biomass feedstock in return and making our of solar power such as establishing the Feed-
country one of the best candidates to in Tariff programme.
promote the use of biomass energy sources
in. > TURN TO PAGE 10
THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018 Postgraduate 9
(From left) Prof Graham Kendall, UPM’s vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Aini Ideris, Sultan of
Selangor Sharafuddin Idris Shah, University of Nottingham’s vice-chancellor Prof Shearer West
and University of Nottingham’s pro-vice-chancellor for global engagement Prof Nick Miles.
Stay ahead of
the competition
GETTING recognition for on-the-job learning
to gain entry to university is nothing new in PROF
developed countries such as the United DATUK
States, Canada, the United Kingdom and
Australia. DR
It is common for the youth in these MANSOR
countries to enter the job market right after
high school. Many of them, however, later
FADZIL
pursue university qualifications using the
knowledge and skills acquired at the
workplace.
Malaysia is no exception. An increasing
number of people without tertiary
Besides flexibility
education, particularly working adults, are in terms of entry
requirements, OUM adopts
returning to school to earn university
credentials to climb the corporate ladder, get
promotions or simply for self-satisfaction.
This is largely due to the accreditation of a blended approach to
prior experiential learning that serves as an learning that combines
traditional face-to-face
incentive for working adults to keep
learning.
Working adults in Malaysia now have the
option of going to university and earning a interactions with online
degree very much later in life.
This is the beauty of lifelong learning,
learning.
where a person can pursue higher education
at any point of their life, at their own pace.
As an approved Accreditation of Prior competitive in the ever-changing world of
Learning (APEL) Assessment Centre, Open business is through lifelong learning.
University Malaysia (OUM) conducts Learning allows one to stay current on
assessment for both admission and credit trends and new knowledge. The market and
transfer, which go by the acronyms APEL (A) economy are changing at a fast pace, which
and APEL (C) respectively. means that those interested in career
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency development need to be able to keep up.
promotes APEL as an alternative pathway This is especially important because job
for working people to earn degrees by requirements are constantly changing due to
validating their prior learning or work the emergence of new technology.
experience. It is predicted that by 2020, more than 60%
Those who are working can now use their of jobs will require post-secondary
workplace knowledge to pursue education. This means that people without
programmes related to what they are doing degrees will have a tough time getting a job.
and shorten their study period through Even professionals are beginning to realise
credit transfer. that having a bachelor’s degree is no longer
As an incentive, those who sit for the APEL sufficient. This is because the knowledge
assessment for the first time at OUM are gained while studying may be obsolete by
given fee waiver provided they pursue their the time they begin their career.
studies at the university. Normally, The only way to move forward is to
candidates pay RM370 for the assessment. continue educating yourself throughout your
Besides flexibility in terms of entry career. Besides equipping you with the
requirements, OUM adopts a blended necessary skills and knowledge, lifelong
approach to learning that combines learning helps keep you ahead of the
traditional face-to-face interactions with competition.
online learning. As Malaysia moves towards becoming a
This provides learners with the best of high-income nation, beefing up the skills of
both worlds – guidance in an actual the local workforce is truly important and
classroom and the flexibility of self-paced this can be achieved when everyone
learning through online learning methods. embraces the culture of lifelong learning.
In a way, it gives learners choices in how,
where and when they want to study. n Prof Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil is the
The only way for people to remain president and vice-chancellor of OUM.
With Accreditation of Prior Learning, working adults have the opportunity to pursue tertiary
education to advance their careers.
12 Postgraduate THE STAR, TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2018