Latest news with #UniversitiMalaya
The Star
a day ago
- General
- The Star
UM don: Malaysia's languages under threat
Languages go beyond mere communication – they embody a community's culture, practices and way of thinking, said award-winning endangered language research expert Prof Dr Stefanie Shamila Pillai from Universiti Malaya (UM). Malaysia, she said, is home to over 130 languages, with more than 70% being indigenous – most of which are under threat. 'When we lose a language, we lose a part of our soul. 'It is really important for us to keep using our languages and to document and revitalise our languages,' she told reporters after the 14th edition of the 2024 UM Excellence Awards (ACUM) on May 20. Prof Stefanie Shamila, from the Department of English Language at the varsity's Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, was honoured with the UM Academic Figure Award at the ACUM. The award, presented by the UM chancellor, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, recognised her contributions to the study of Malaysian English varieties and the preservation of heritage languages. She is the first Malaysian to document and archive endangered languages in Malaysia, specifically the Malaccan Portuguese language, through the Endangered Languages Archive (Endangered Languages Documentation Programme). Reflecting on her decades-long career, she said the award was deeply meaningful after more than 30 years at UM. 'My motto is that we should not only adjust to the level of education, but also give an impact to the country and especially to the community. 'Even though I'm not a scientist, I believe linguists can make a strong impact on the community. UM has always instilled that spirit in us,' she shared. She said she began studying the Melaka Portuguese language in 2009, with formal documentation starting in 2011. Beyond research and archiving, she has also worked closely with the community to develop learning tools, including mobile applications, aimed at reviving the use of the language. When asked what educational value heritage and minority language can bring to students in the classroom, she said multilingual children often show better cognitive and emotional development. 'It's not just about academic achievement – it's about empathy, respect, and learning to value others,' she said. Prof Stefanie Shamila was among four recipients from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics who were recognised for their contributions. The others were faculty dean Prof Dr Surinderpal Kaur Chanan Singh, and senior lecturers Dr Sharifah Ayeshah Syed Mohd Noori and Dr Lau Su Kia. The awards were presented for Excellent Academic Administrator (Academic Responsibility Centre), Highest External Grant Recipient (International), and Excellent Academic Staff (Teachers/Education Service Officers), respectively. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the awards were the university's highest form of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields. 'The individual and collective excellence we celebrate today directly contributes to the enhancement of UM's international reputation,' he said in his key address. He also highlighted UM's research achievements, noting that the university secured RM163.37mil in grants last year, a 42% increase from 2023, reflecting growing confidence in its research capabilities. 'This research contribution translates into the production of 4,325 publications throughout 2024, an increase of 15% compared to 3,749 publications in 2023,' he said. A total of 59 staff members, individuals, research centres and corporate bodies were honoured at the ACUM in 45 different categories. Other award categories include the Special Award for High-Impact Individual Contributor, Special Award for Strategic Thinker Partner, Excellent Researcher (Clinical Field), Top Citation Researcher (Science Field), Excellent Academic Administrator (Academic Department), and Excellent Academic Staff. The UM ACUM is an annual event held to honour outstanding UM staff and corporate bodies in recognition of their contributions to the university. Also present at the ceremony were UM pro-chancellor Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong and UM board chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Rethinking the CLP: from a high wall to a well-signposted bridge
From Dr HB Chee I refer to the FMT article 'Report shows up shoddy work of budding lawyers in CLP exam' highlighting the weaknesses of those sitting for the July/August 2024 Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam in Malaysia. The Examiner's Report paints a troubling picture: more than half of the candidates did not pass three of the five papers, and many answers showed a weak command of English, poor drafting and little real-life understanding of legal work. Historical background of the CLP In 1984, the Inns of Court changed their admission rules, abruptly preventing many Malaysians studying in the UK from sitting for the English bar finals. To avert a looming bottleneck, the Malaysian Board of Legal Education hurriedly launched a 'special course leading to a Certificate in Legal Practice' at the time as a stop-gap measure. Forty years later, that provisional fix has evolved into the main gateway for foreign-trained graduates and for holders of the local Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Universiti Malaya) and Bachelor of Legal Studies (UiTM). The scheme that has enabled thousands who could not afford a second stint in London to enter the profession, has unified the qualification standard for advocates and solicitors, and more importantly, CLP has kept the regulation of admission firmly within Malaysia's own jurisdiction. As a coach for CLP candidates now, I am often asked the same question: What exactly are the examiners looking for? The 2024 Examiner's Report The report shows that many candidates never find the answer. Failure rates reached 58% in civil procedure and 65% in professional practice; scripts displayed 'poor to average command of English', 'heavy reliance on memorised model answers' and 'a weak ability to apply law to fact'. Most tellingly, the report recommended that future candidates complete six months of firm-based internship before attempting the papers, which serves as an implicit admission that classroom teaching alone is not producing practice-ready graduates. The root of the problem lies in transparency. Unlike some mature jurisdictions, the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) provides no official marking rubric, no grade descriptors and no sample scripts. In that vacuum, teaching colleges devise their own 'model answers', encouraging rote learning over genuine reasoning. Candidates, unsure of the true benchmark, overlearn statutory quotations while neglecting analytical techniques. They also arrive at the exam with little exposure to real pleadings or court documents, so substantive knowledge often collapses under procedural uncertainty and shaky language. England and Wales demonstrate that high standards can coexist with open expectations. Their Bar Standards Board places its curriculum and assessment strategy and detailed grade descriptors online for all to see. After each sitting, the chair of the Central Examinations Board releases a public report discussing question difficulty, mark profiles and common errors; and every course provider must give students at least one mock paper with feedback, some even publishing worked answers. In short, the marking yardstick is visible to candidates so they know where the bar is set and they can train accordingly. The Examiners' Report is a service to the profession; it diagnoses without fear or favour. But diagnosis alone, unaccompanied by a treatment plan, risks breeding only cynicism. Recommendation Malaysia can achieve the same clarity without waiting for the long-discussed common bar course. Until that arrives, thousands of students remain in the current CLP pipeline. The LPQB could act immediately by adopting a few simple measures: These steps would do more than improve pass rates. They would align study habits with real practice, ensure that every successful candidate meets a transparent standard and restore public confidence that newly admitted advocates are fit to safeguard a client's interests from day one. The CLP began as an inclusive bridge and should remain as one. Maintaining an examination that prizes rigour while concealing its own expectations risks turning that bridge into a wall. By pairing candid critique with open standards and structured pre-practice, the LPQB can keep the CLP true to its founding spirit — access with integrity — and help the next generation of counsel cross from aspiration to competent service. Dr HB Chee is a practicing lawyer and a reader of FMT. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
A killer – in the blink of an eye
PETALING JAYA: Dr Julius Goh Liang Chye of Universiti Malaya remembers his childhood journeys back to Kedah from Kuala Lumpur very well. 'As children, we always depended on our father to do the heavy lifting, including driving long hours during festive seasons. 'One particular journey took a frightening turn when he briefly dozed off at the wheel, jolting awake just in time to avoid a crash,' he said. ALSO READ: Apnoea – something to lose sleep over 'At that time, we were unfamiliar with the term microsleep,' said Dr Goh, who is now a consultant otorhinolaryngologist at Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Medicine. Otorhinolaryngology deals with conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat (ENT), some of which have the potential to affect sleep quality. Experts agree: (From left) Siti Zaharah, Louis and Dr Goh say microsleep poses a menace that threatens road safety everywhere. Road safety experts as well as the medical fraternity now want sleep management, in particular addressing microsleep, to be part of the lexicon, given the immense potential of sleep-deprived persons causing accidents whether at the workplace or on the road. Dr Goh, who specialises in sleep surgery and medicine, said fatigue-related crashes are often under reported, yet they pose a significant risk, particularly among drivers who embark on long-haul journeys with inadequate rest. While microsleep is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnoea, other sleep disorders can also contribute to its occurrence. 'These conditions include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, epilepsy and narcolepsy may all lead to episodes of microsleep, making accurate diagnosis by a medical professional essential,' said Dr Goh. Dr Louis Adaikalam, president of the Malaysia Sleep Apnea Association, said there are enough hints that microsleep is behind a significant number of road crashes in Malaysia. 'In fact, microsleep has been linked to several major industrial accidents, along with lots of road accidents,' he said. He believes that the emergence of the gig economy is also a contributing factor to sleep deprivation, where some people attempt to be e-hailing drivers or couriers after their official day job. 'Some people are sacrificing sleep to earn more, and of course, there is obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep-related issues that need medical diagnosis. 'For example, fatigue can also be caused by diabetes or heart problems, which in turn, can lead to more dangerous driving such as greater risk-taking on the road,' said Louis. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research director-general Assoc Prof Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak said a collaboration is on the cards with a company to offer courses on managing microsleep at the workplace. 'This is being done through capacity-building and innovative training,' she said. Get enough rest: Based on statistics provided by the police, drivers falling asleep due to fatigue caused over 1,300 fatalities on the road.— AZMAN GHANI/The Star 'Miros will also conduct more studies on sleep deprivation and its relation to road safety.' In 2023, Malaysia recorded 598,635 incidents that resulted in 6,443 fatalities, with nearly two-thirds of deaths coming from motorcyclists and pillion riders. Based on the last statistics provided by the police, 1,305 fatalities were attributed to drivers falling asleep due to fatigue between 2011 and 2021. Datuk Ng Koong Sinn, president of the Malaysia Trucking Federation, said drivers under his company must take a 30-minute break after every four hours of driving. 'They are only allowed to drive up to eight hours a day, while the daily work hours (inclusive of driving) cannot exceed 12 hours.' Another major logistics grouping, the Association of Malaysian Hauliers, acknowledged the risks posed by fatigue and microsleep among commercial drivers. 'Many of our members have implemented internal policies such as ensuring drivers are sufficiently rested before long hauls, providing safety bonuses for accident-free records, and encouraging break intervals where possible,' said association secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud. 'However, the reality on the road now poses several operational challenges. Long waiting times at port terminals, container depots and customer premises often stretch a driver's working hours unpredictably. 'The common practice of customers only allowing deliveries during office hours further restricts flexibility, while the ongoing driver shortage worsens the situation. 'Additionally, peak-hour road ban on heavy vehicles and a lack of proper rest facilities or parking bays at many R&R stops along highways make it harder for drivers to rest safely and on schedule,' said Azuan. 'Our members remain committed to upholding safety and continue to find ways to support their drivers through better scheduling, incentives, and the adoption of technology like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems where feasible.'
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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Combine encryption with ID checks to fight grooming, expert tells govt [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Encryption plays a critical role in securing online communication and protecting users—especially children—from threats such as grooming. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab says that encryption can complement identity checks by providing another layer of protection. This follows what Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil proposed; to consider mandatory user identity verification in light of rising online sexual predatory cases. "Encryption is really the way we can secure our communication," Ainuddin said. He explained the concept using a simple analogy: much like parents who discreetly spell out words or speak in a language their children do not understand to keep their conversations private, encryption masks the content of digital exchanges—even if someone is aware that a communication is taking place. This technique, he said, ensures that while a third party may see that data is being transmitted, they will not be able to decipher it without the appropriate cryptographic keys. He also pointed to Malaysia's homegrown advancements in cryptography, particularly the In-MaLi algorithm developed locally and internationally recognised. This cryptographic method is supported by the Malaysian Society for Cryptology Research and agencies like CyberSecurity Malaysia. He uses the analogy of house keys and an added padlock to explain how Malaysia enhances existing global encryption tools. "It's like renting a house and being given two keys. You're not sure who else might have copies, so you add your own padlock—your own third key. That way, only you can access it." This "three-tier lock system", he said, reflects how Malaysia builds additional layers of encryption over standard platforms to better protect user data. These locally developed add-ons ensure that only authorised parties—such as national cyber defence teams—can decrypt certain information, if necessary, and respond to emerging threats. Ainuddin added that while identity verification can deter online predators, encryption remains essential to securing private communication, safeguarding children, and bolstering national cyber resilience. On Tuesday, Fahmi said his ministry is reviewing several key measures to enhance online safety, including enforcing user verification or identity authentication. The move, he added, is crucial to protect children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. He expressed concern over a recent case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene images to a 14-year-old girl. "I'm deeply troubled by what happened — an influencer contacting a 14-year-old with lewd messages. This is something happening within our society.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
