Latest news with #UPNM
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia, Australia celebrate 70 years of deepening strategic partnership
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Australia celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relation this year, marking a milestone of an enduring partnership of strategic depth and regional significance. Over the decades, the relations have evolved into a comprehensive partnership covering multiple sectors, with a shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. And at the heart of the partnership is robust defence cooperation, embodied by the Malaysian Australian Joint Defence Programme, which continues to define their bilateral relationship. National Defence University of Malaysia's (UPNM) Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, Senior Lecturer Dr Tharishini Krishnan, said Australia's armed forces played a pivotal role in supporting Malaysia's defence and security development during its early years, particularly through sustained defence engagement during critical periods such as the Malayan Emergency and "Konfrontasi". "These operations laid the foundation for enduring defence cooperation under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) after 1971," she told Bernama. She said that the Malaysia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established in 2021, enhances coordination in maritime security, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), complementing FPDA exercises such as Bersama Shield and Bersama Gold. "It provides a framework to future-proof bilateral defence cooperation, including efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and joint readiness for regional crises," she said. In the area of regional security, Tharishini said that both nations are seen as reliable partners through joint FPDA exercises, maritime domain awareness initiatives, and counter-piracy patrols, particularly in the Strait of Malacca. She said military joint exercises such as Exercise Suman Warrior and Bersama Lima continue to demonstrate operational interoperability and capacity for joint responses to both traditional and non-traditional security threats. On strategic alignment, she said Malaysia and Australia share broadly aligned Indo-Pacific visions that emphasise Asean centrality, freedom of navigation, and a stable, rules-based regional order. "This alignment is increasingly visible in joint FPDA modernisation, CSP-driven cooperation, and maritime security initiatives. "As great-power rivalry intensifies, this strategic convergence will become more critical in safeguarding regional security without provoking unnecessary escalation," she said. Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS) Director, Professor Dr Phar Kim Beng, said the FPDA remains relevant precisely because of its flexibility, allowing member countries like New Zealand to take more practical measures when others remain quiet. "When Malaysia reciprocates such engagement with New Zealand, it signals its readiness to do the same with the UK, Australia, and in turn, Singapore," he said. He added that the FPDA thus serves as a mechanism for indirect collective enhancement in a world increasingly dominated by both traditional and non-traditional security threats. Commenting on future economic collaboration between Malaysia and Australia, Phar highlighted the importance of leveraging multilateral frameworks. He noted that both countries are members of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). "These platforms can serve as key avenues to enhance bilateral economic relations in the coming years," he said to Bernama. On people-to-people ties, Phar stressed the need for both governments to be proactive in engaging alumni networks and strengthening educational linkages. He said both governments, through their foreign ministries or embassies, should encourage a higher and more purposeful form of strategic engagement. Phar suggested Australia could assist Malaysia's 10-year plan to acquire civilian nuclear energy, despite not being a nuclear power itself, by leveraging its connections. Relations between Malaysia and Australia predate the independence of Malaya in 1957, where Australia established a Commission in Kuala Lumpur in 1955 and the then Malaya opened a commission in Canberra in 1956. The 70th anniversary milestone also coincides with Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year. Australia established formal relations with ASEAN in 1974, becoming the bloc's first dialogue partner. In 2021, both sides elevated the relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. – Bernama.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
UPNM and NSC partner to boost sports and academic growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and the National Sports Council (NSC) have formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen sports and academic development, particularly for national athletes and coaches. The collaboration was marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI), witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh during the 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' 2025 programme at UPNM, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi. The partnership aims to develop work-based learning (WBL) academic programmes, improving competitiveness and employability for athletes and coaches by recognising their skills and experience. Additionally, the initiative will map career pathways aligned with existing academic curricula. The LoI also provides opportunities for NSC staff, athletes, and experienced coaches without formal qualifications to pursue higher education through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) pathway. Special admission into UPNM programmes will also be offered to athletes and coaches, with further fields of collaboration to be mutually agreed upon. Hannah Yeoh highlighted that the partnership aligns with the Youth and Sports Ministry's (KBS) efforts to holistically empower the national sports ecosystem, including education. 'We want to empower students pursuing sports while helping athletes continue their studies and build careers post-retirement,' she said. The event was attended by UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad and NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin. The 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' programme serves as a platform for students to share their aspirations and ideas on youth and sports development directly with KBS. This year, 10 editions of the programme will engage around 5,000 students, featuring interactive activities supported by Rakita radio station. This initiative reflects the Malaysia MADANI concept, emphasising trust, compassion, and youth involvement in nation-building. - Bernama
Barnama
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
UPNM, NSC Partner To Strengthen Sports And Academic Development
KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and the National Sports Council (NSC) today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a strategic partnership to strengthen sports and academic development, especially among national athletes and coaches. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in conjunction with the sixth edition of the 'Rakan Muda Turun Kampus' 2025 programme at UPNM, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, here. The collaboration focuses on developing work-based learning (WBL) academic programmes to enhance competitiveness and improve the employability of athletes and coaches through the recognition of their skills, experience, and expertise. bootstrap slideshow This initiative also includes mapping career pathways with existing academic curricula. In addition, the LoI opens the door for NSC staff, athletes, and experienced coaches without formal academic qualifications to pursue higher education through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) pathway Also offered are special admission opportunities into UPNM academic programmes for athletes and coaches, in addition to other fields that will be mutually agreed upon by both parties from time to time. According to Hannah, the collaboration is in line with the Youth and Sports Ministry's (KBS) efforts to empower the national sports development ecosystem holistically, including the education aspect. 'We want to empower students who want to pursue sports, while also helping athletes continue their studies and build a career after retiring from sports,' she told reporters after the event. Also present were UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad and NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Forensic pathologist reveals the reality behind high-profile autopsies
KUALA LUMPUR: From decomposed bodies to recent tragedies such as the death of a family in Sungai Korok, one profession quietly unravels the cause of death in Malaysia's most disturbing cases. Forensic pathologists are key to unlocking the truth behind mysterious deaths, yet their work often goes unnoticed. Contrary to public belief, their role extends far beyond performing autopsies. Dr Nadiawati Abdul Razak, senior lecturer and head of the Forensic Medicine Unit at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), described her journey and the pressure that comes with revealing the final answers in death. "My Interest in the field of forensic pathology began to blossom during my clinical attachment training as a house officer in the hospital's forensic department. "I had the opportunity to observe how post-mortems were conducted in complex death cases and how forensic pathologists pieced together scientific facts to uncover the truth behind deaths involving criminal elements," she said. She said that each case comes with its own challenges, but the ones that left an impact were those involving children who died as a result of abuse. "These cases are not only technically and legally challenging, but also deeply emotional, as I, too, feel the sorrow as a human being and a parent,. "Seeing the suffering that no child should ever endure gives me the strength to do my best to ensure that justice is served," she said. Dr Nadiawati has handled national and international disaster victim identification (DVI) operations, including the Maahad Tahfiz fire in 2017, COVID-19 fatalities, and landslide tragedies. In high-profile cases, she said pathologists must remain objective despite immense pressure from the media, police, lawyers, and public. "In the fast-paced era of social media, information spreads easily before the forensic process is fully completed," she said. In such cases, she said integrity and scientific accuracy are vital. "We follow strict protocols based on WHO and Royal College of Pathologists standards. Every external and internal finding, radiological scan, and lab result is documented ." She added that she is also working with UPNM's computer science department on AI research for use in the field. "I am currently collaborating with the Computer Science Department at UPNM on a study related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in analysing types of injuries based on images or photographs obtained from the authorities. She said the aim is to improve the accuracy of identifying injury patterns in an objective and scientific manner, which can also serve as strong evidence in court. This technology also has the potential to speed up the analysis process in high-profile cases or those involving multiple victims. "In addition, I am also conducting research in the field of forensic anthropology under a grant from UPNM's Research and Innovation Division, focusing on estimating the age at death based on morphological examination of the spine using CT scan images," she said. This study aims to develop a more accurate age estimation method suitable for use within the local population, with particular focus on changes that occur in the vertebrae as a person ages. The study has the potential to be used in cases involving the identification of human remains, especially when only partial skeletal remains are recovered from a scene."It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to improving the accuracy of skeletal biological profiling and further strengthen forensic anthropology practices in Malaysia," she said.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Aerial tourism in Melaka to launch in September with joy rides
MELAKA: The state is set to launch aerial tourism services in September, offering visitors a unique way to experience Melaka's beauty from the skies. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the initiative, proposed by the International Aero Training Academy (IATAC) Sdn Bhd, as part of efforts to diversify tourism offerings. The new attraction will feature 40-minute joy ride flights, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of Melaka. IATAC has suggested operating eight flights daily, with ticket prices to be confirmed pending regulatory approvals. Ab Rauf shared the details during the Open Day ceremony for the 2u1i Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Programme at IATAC Batu Berendam. The event was also attended by National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi and IATAC CEO Captain Kenneth Yap. The degree programme marks a milestone as Malaysia's first aviation degree under a public-private partnership between UPNM and IATAC. The accelerated model combines two years of academic study with one year of industrial training, significantly shortening the usual six-year path to earning a Bachelor's Degree and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). 'This initiative not only boosts tourism but also elevates Melaka's role in aviation education,' said Ab Rauf. The state government supports the programme as a step toward advancing the local aviation and education sectors. - Bernama
