Latest news with #HPU
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
APU, MOH team up for digital health
BRINGING healthcare forward demands innovation, especially in an age marked by technological advancement. That also involves commercialising research that can benefit the healthcare industry. Cognisant of the need to drive this area, the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) plan to co-develop entrepreneurs within the ministry, transforming innovations into commercial products. The collaboration follows the varsity's recent appointment as one of the ministry's official consultants to the Health Performance Unit (HPU). Among the initiatives under this collaboration is the Asia Pacific Centre for Robotic Engineering (APCoRE), which is pioneering biomedical robotics such as brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality-based rehabilitation systems, soft robotic mobility aids, and TremorX solutions for Parkinson's patients. APU chief enterprise & innovation officer Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam – who is leading the varsity's consultancy efforts for the HPU, supported by Forensics and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSeC) head Dr Julia Juremi and Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA) head Hema Latha Krishna Nair – said under its structured 10-year development framework, APU has strategically aligned its research and talent development with national economic drivers, especially in healthcare. 'We are engaging undergraduate students in real-world, impact-driven innovation,' he said in a press release dated July 3. In healthcare innovation, Hema Latha and her team at APCA are advancing predictive and prescriptive analytics to support clinical decision-making, including disease forecasting tools and treatment rescheduling systems. APU's broader research efforts also span epidemiological studies, such as Type 2 diabetes prevalence, dengue outbreak modelling, and insights into nasopharyngeal carcinoma, leveraging global datasets like those from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Further projects include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning collaborations on ventilator maintenance, as well as extended reality (XR) technologies led by APU XR Studio head Dr Siti Azreena for immersive medical training and mental health awareness. In addition, APU Centre for IoT and Drones director Narendran Ramasenderan is developing automated hospital transport systems, medical drones and AI disease detection tools. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni – who visited the varsity on June 30 following APU's appointment to the HPU on May 26 – expressed optimism about collaborations with private universities such as APU, particularly in upskilling healthcare professionals and broadening postgraduate education pathways. 'Our future-ready system must be built on strong academic and industry partnerships,' he said. He added that Malaysia's healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, steered by digital innovation, strategic planning, and a firm policy direction. 'To enhance system interoperability, the ministry is working towards the rollout of a nationwide electronic medical record system, placing cybersecurity and data privacy at the core,' he said. He also highlighted the ministry's efforts in exploring legislation to regulate the use of AI in healthcare. 'We are ensuring that while technology supports clinical decisions, it never overrides medical autonomy,' he said, adding that the ministry's Digital Health Division is now tasked not only with software and hardware development but also with shaping policies around telemedicine, medical devices and digital standards. In his concluding remarks, APU chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh underscored the importance of cultivating future-ready talent and bridging the gap between research and industry application. 'Talent is the cornerstone of economic progress. At APU, we focus on producing graduates who are not only skilled but also globally competitive, particularly in cybersecurity,' he said, adding that a significant portion of the varsity's academic staff are former industry professionals, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and practical. He also highlighted APU's strong culture of entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships and an active alumni network, creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation and economic contribution. Lukanisman's visit included a tour of the varsity's facilities, including the Cybersecurity Talent Zone, FSeC, APCA, XR Studio and APCoRE. Also present during the visit were HPU director Dr Saravanan S.R. Sundaramurthy and senior ministry officers.
Indian Express
31-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Migrant workers in disasters: HPU student's study uncovers gaps in relief policies in Himachal Pradesh
At a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with disasters during the ongoing monsoon season, a detailed study by a student at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla has drawn urgent attention to the overlooked plight of migrant workers during calamities. The study reveals a troubling reality: despite being among the most vulnerable sections of society, migrant workers remain on the fringes of disaster response and relief efforts. Titled 'Migrant Workers Must Not Be Ignored During Disasters', the study by Itisha Parmar, a final-year student in MA (Social Work), draws four key findings: migrant workers are among the first to lose their source of income during disasters; they have no social safety net; commonly face mental distress and isolation; and have limited access to government aid. 'Despite various hardships, many migrant workers displayed remarkable resilience, navigating crises through peer solidarity, local support, and personal grit. This strength, however, often goes unrecognised in formal disaster planning,' the study notes. The study explores how systemic responses can be redesigned to include migrant voices and address their realities, and raises a critical question: Are our disaster management frameworks truly inclusive? The study, a part of the course curriculum, was submitted to Anupama Bharti, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Work, on Wednesday. 'We encouraged our researchers to work in fields which need more attention in times of crisis, especially issues like disasters and marginalised sections of society. Parmar's research focuses on the most vulnerable section of society,' said Bharti, under whose supervision the study was conducted. Parmar took assistance from Doers NGO, an organisation engaged in disaster relief, mental health support, and community rehabilitation in the state, and surveyed over 100 people. 'They are more than just a labour force' The study includes the profiles of people affected by disasters reported in the last five years in Himachal Pradesh. Since 2018, the state has recorded 148 cloudbursts, 294 flash floods, and over 5,000 landslides, a pattern that reflects the worsening climate volatility in the fragile Himalayan region. On June 26 this year, at least seven migrant workers employed at a hydro project at Dharamshala were killed in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in Kangra district. In last year's Samej tragedy, when a series of cloudbursts hit the village, more than two dozen migrant workers were among the 39 victims who were washed away and later found dead. Professor Shashi Kant, officiating chairperson of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, said, 'It is a sad part of the story that we do not have any coordination with the state government in connection with the findings of our research. These findings can be very useful for policymakers if the government utilises them.' Stressing on the role of social work education in bridging the gap between policy and ground realities, Parmar said, 'Migrant workers are more than just a labour force — they carry the dreams of families, build the foundation of our cities, and keep local economies running. Their dignity, rights, and safety are a shared responsibility — one that must be reflected in our disaster response strategies.' What the study found What the study recommends
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Senior citizen killed, nine injured in van crash on Kunak-Lahad Datu road
KUNAK: A 74-year-old substitute driver was killed while nine others were injured in a van crash at Km29 of Jalan Kunak-Lahad Datu around 7am today. Acting Kunak police chief Assistant Superintendent Reduan Rahman said the accident occurred when the driver lost control of the Hiace van, causing it to veer off to the right side of the road. "The van, carrying 10 passengers, was travelling from Semporna to Sandakan. "Four passengers sustained minor injuries, while five were seriously injured," he said when contacted. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue operation commander Mohd Ridzuan Shahidun said the department received an emergency call at 7.19am and arrived at the scene at 7.50am. He said the van was found on the road shoulder. The driver, who was trapped in the seat, was extricated using Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) equipment before being handed over to the police. The passengers, aged between 46 and 75, received initial treatment before being taken to hospital using the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle and an ambulance.
United News of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
HP High Court Raps HPU for withholding Associate Professor's Salary
Shimla, Jun 21 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has pulled up Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) for withholding the salary of an Associate Professor for over two years, despite his promotion under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Justice Sandeep Sharma, while allowing a civil writ petition filed by Dr. Bhawani Singh, directed HPU to release the pending salary within six weeks. Dr. Singh, appointed as an Assistant Professor in 2016 in the Department of Hindi, was promoted to Associate Professor on September 9, 2022, under UGC norms. The promotion was approved by the university's Executive Council through an office order dated July 4, 2023. However, HPU withheld the salary, citing lack of approval from the state government. The court noted that Dr. Singh was working in the higher post but denied its pay scale. 'The petitioner, who admittedly at present is working against the higher post, is being denied salary of the higher post,' the order stated, terming the university's conduct as 'bad in law' and 'unjustified.' HPU's repeated attempts to seek approval from the Finance Department were blocked, as the department claimed that the Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme ceased with the introduction of the Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2022. However, the court rejected this reasoning, asserting that UGC regulations, having statutory force, must prevail over state policies in such matters. Citing Supreme Court rulings in Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi v. State of Gujarat and Prof. (Dr.) Sreejith P.S v. Dr. Rajshree M.S, the court emphasized that UGC norms are binding on state universities. 'UGC Regulations should become part of the statute framed by Parliament and, therefore, shall prevail,' Justice Sharma said. The court ruled that state government approval was not a precondition for releasing the salary. Failure to comply with the order within six weeks will entitle Dr. Singh to interest at 6% per annum on the delayed payment. Senior Advocate Sanjeev Bhushan, assisted by L.S. Mehta, represented the petitioner, while Advocate General Anup Rattan and his team appeared for the state and HPU. UNI ML RKM
NDTV
06-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Himachal Pradesh Management Aptitude Test Scheduled For June 10, Details Here
HPU MAT 2025 Admit Card: Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is scheduled to conduct the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) on June 10, 2025. The admit card for the same was released on June 4, 2025. Candidates who are yet to download the admit card can do so by visiting the official website, HPU MAT is a management entrance exam conducted by Himachal Pradesh University for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at HPU Business School and HPU Regional Centre, Dharamshala. HPU MAT 2025 Admit Card: How To Download Admit Card? Visit the official website, Click on "Login For Already Registered". Enter your login credentials like Mobile number and password. Hit "Login" button. Your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Download your admit card to take to the examination centre. HPU MAT 2025 Admit Card: Details To Check On Admit Card Candidates must make sure to check for the following details on HPU MAT 2025 admit card: Name of candidate Candidate's roll number Candidate's address Exam venue Exam date Exam time For any discrepancy in the admit card, candidates must immediately contact the respective authorities.
