Two “Lost” Tree Species Found in UKM's Permanent Forest Reserve

UKM International Bulletin Issue 30 - Jan-March 2011 ISSN 1675-7270
UKM Welcomes Its First
Woman Pro-Chancellor
Jan - March 2011 l 1

Message from the
Vice-chancellor
The genuine test of a university’s
mettle is how well it provides
the intellectual and ethical
ecosystem for enriching students’
learning experiences, where young
minds are inspired and free to
create and innovate, unfettered
and unhampered by fear, anxiety or
constricting mores, imbued with a
deep sense of social responsibility. such an environment
also nurtures social development for peace, democracy
and harmony.
The annual election to the students’ Representative
council in February was an exercise in democracy. The
students have the freedom to select their leaders and
they expressed their choice through the ballot box. an
air of carnival took hold of the campus as students hung
banners, campaigned and lobbied for the 35 seats on the
council.
UKM International Bulletin
Resonance connotes dynamism and vibrancy. Resonance
reflects our vision and philosophy, and it is also in tandem
with our sister publication SENADA. as one of the research
universities of Malaysia, dynamism is a virtue much prized by
us for it ensures our pre-eminence in the field. other aspects of
campus life are not neglected. after all we are a community of
scholars, support staff and students. The pulse and vibrancy of
the whole community can be felt as you read through the pages
of RESONANCE. Happy Reading.
Cover photo:
UKM’s nerve centre
Photo from
UKM Press
2 l Jan - March 2011
editorial Team
RESONANCE, UKM International Bulletin is published
quarterly by the Centre for Corporate Communications,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Please forward your articles to:
resonance@ukm.my
The majority of students voted for candidates who
in their judgment can best solve local campus issues. To
some it may appear mundane but interruption in water
supply especially during the examination period, quality
of cafeteria food, charges of residential college, wi fi
services, petty theft and campus security were popular
campaign issues.
as in most elections there will be groups who will
be disappointed when they lose. UKM students are to be
congratulated for demonstrating exemplary behaviour
in using their intellectual power of reasoning, rational
discussion and negotiation to reconcile differences
without acrimony.
I hope they will continue to be mindful of the
culture to be courteous and polite when campaigning.
In fact students should be the model of mature campus
politics to the wider society. as leaders of tomorrow they
should set the pace for political maturity in elections.
now that the excitement is over, tranquillity has
returned. students have moved on with their daily
activities. soon the second semester examinations will
be upon them. Good luck.
Prof. tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Sharifah Hapsah
Syed Hasan Shahabudin
ManageMent
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Tan sri Dato’ Wira Dr. sharifah Hapsah syed Hasan shahabudin
Deputy Vice-Chancellors
Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hassan Basri (academic and International affairs)
Professor Ir. Dr. othman a. Karim (students’ affairs and alumni)
Professor Dr. Rahmah Mohamed (Research and Innovation affairs)
Professor Dr. saran Kaur Gill (Industry and community Relations)
Registrar
Mr. ab. aziz othman
Bursar
Hj. Mohd. abdul Rashid Mohd. Fadzil
Chief Librarian
Hj. abu Bakar Maidin
Chief editor
Professor Dr. Mohd safar Hasim
eDItORIaL teaM
Deputy Chief editor
associate Professor Dr. Koh aik Khoon
editor
Mr. Kuah Guan oo
executive editor
Mr. saipulizam abdul Ghani
Publication Support
Mr. anthony Ulek anak Jeti
Mr. saliman Leman
Mdm. sharmiza Zan
Mdm. nor erlina Mohd Puad

The New Deputy –
VC, Epitome of An
Honest Cop
By: assoc. Professor Dr. Koh aik Khoon
Professor Ir. Dr. othman a. Karim is famous in
UKM. no eye-brows were raised when the UKM
community came to know that he is the new Deputy
Vice-chancellor for students’ affairs and alumni
succeeding Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad abdul Razak.
He beat two other contenders, one a senior professor
and the other a senior associate professor for the coveted
post. one of the stringent criteria for the post is that the
candidate besides being a Ph.D holder must command
respect from peers and colleagues and has an excellent
track record in research, publications, innovation,
teaching and professional service.
scrutinising his 27-page cV one can’t fault
othman on any of the above-mentioned aspects. He
amply fulfills the criteria. Months ago I have already
requested for his cV so that I could profile him in
Resonance. somehow he saw no urgency.
on the morning of 18 February at about 7.20 am
while I was on my way to see Mr. saipulizam abdul
Ghani of PRo and there was Prof. othman alighting
from his official car ready to start his work after sending
his kids to school. He saw me and stopped to
wait for me. I congratulated him once again on
the appointment and I pressed him once again for
his cV which he immediately handed to me. He
happened to have it with him which he had used
for his recent interview chaired by chairman of
UKM Board of Directors, Tan sri Dato’ Paduka
Dr. Mazlan ahmad.
Professor Ir. Dr. othman a. Karim is truly
an IT man, he was our Director of centre for
Information Technology from 2005 to 2011.
His Msc and Ph.D both from University of
Liverpool is on Maritime civil engineering. He
was involved in Phase one of strategic Planning
and Monitoring singapore Land Reclamation
activities.
one day before the start of a meeting, a group
of women professors were talking of handsome men
in UKM. Professor Dr. che Husna asked Tan sri Vc
for her opinion on othman a. Karim regarding his
looks. The Vc casually quipped ‘He is an honest cop’.
With that perceived quality of honesty, discipline and
responsibility Professor othman a. Karim should be
able to handle the new job well. To be fair to him, he is
tall, dark and handsome.
Congrats, Prof.
Jan - March 2011 l 3

Bukit Tinggi – An Allure of Rustic Charm
after the launching of UKM alumni chapter in
Western sumatera, Indonesia on 27 February
2011 most of UKM delegates rewarded themselves
on the following day with a visit to the famous
Hill Resort called Bukit Tinggi, about a two-hour
drive from Padang. It is 2790m above sea-level. The
tortuous road up there reminds us of our cameron
Highlands. one really has to drive carefully to
negotiate the many bends. on the way up there is
a 30m-high waterfall called air terjun Lembah anai
cascading down the mountain side. The locals use the
water as their natural source
of mineral water. Tourists
stop by in its vicinity
to take snapshots of the
natural wonder. souvenir
shops selling songket pencil
bags, key-chains and other
paraphenalia line the
road to capture crowds of
tourists.
since sumatera
Barat is the heartland of
the Minangkabau people,
their unique architecture
with its buffalo-hornshaped
roofs is ubiquitous
everywhere. It is really their
trade-mark. The Minangkabau people will be proud
to tell you that such design with leaning columns
are good at withstanding tremors and earthquakes.
Many buildings of such structure and designs
remained intact in the disastrous 30 september
2009 earthquake which hit that part of the world.
Minangkabau people are not only creative but also
entrepreneurial. cottage and cement industries are
the mainstay of the locals besides agriculture.
The whole landscape is picturesque with padi
fields and fruit-orchards sitting side-by-side with a
Minangkabau house. For some they have water-lily
l Jan - March 2011
ponds at the front making the scenery all the more
cdyllic.
The commercial centre of Bukit Tinggi is a
hive of activities. There are cars and horse-drawn
carriages all over the place. There is also the famous
clock tower with different designs on each of its four
sides. The malls sell goods at reasonable prices. With
our Ringgit strengthening against the Rupiah, we
have more purchasing power. Batik and songket are
very much sought-after by tourists from Malaysia.
An idyllic Bukit Tinggi scene
one of the unique features of Padang restaurants
is the wide variety of spicy food laid out on the table
for one to choose and savour. It is really a culinany
delight. To top it all the prices are quite reasonable.
Pak Datuk and Ramun ombak are famous names for
restaurant food. They are sited strategically along the
way from Padang to Bukit Tinggi. one of the things
we notice throughout the journey is that there are no
sign boards directing the way. Drivers have to have
the knowledge and experience of where to go. This is
part and parcel of finding their nafkah (livelihood).

Helping Our Youths to Move Forward
on 14 February 2011, Datin seri Rosmah
Mansor, wife of our Prime Minister cum
patron of Permata Negara was at UKM to present
certificates to 29 participants of a Perkasa Youth
camp which had been held at various locations
in Malaysia. The two-month camp, held from 28
october to 31 December 2010 was sponsored by
UKM’s Youth strengthening centre and Permata
Negara. also present at the ceremony were UKM
Vice-chancellor Prof. Tan sri Dato’ Wira Dr.
sharifah Hapsah syed Hasan shahabudin and Felda
Director-General Datuk Dzulkifli abdul Wahab.
One for the album
The youth-empowering programme was
designed to give speed-fiend motorcyclists
popularly called Mat Rempit a chance to find a
more meaningful role in society instead of maniac
obsession with hell-riding. The multifaceted
programme included modules such as emotional
management, self-empowerment and first-aid.
The participants mostly children of Felda settlers
find it useful and eye-opening. some were eager to
turn over a new leaf and return to school. Most
of the participants were not doing anything before
the camp. They just lepak (loitering) and sadly,
according to Datuk Dzulkifli some of they were
involved in drug abuse, a menace to society.
Datin Rosmah in her address urged the
youths to equip themselves with the necessary skills
that will put them in good stead in a fast-changing
world. They have to be creative, competitive and
innovative. she also urged the youths to encourage
their peers to sign up for the programme which
undoubtedly gives a new lease of life to some of
these formerly wayward youths. This is a proactive
way of addressing the social problem which has
been highlighted in columns of the newspapers
from time to time. Permata Negara’s and UKM’s
joint involvement in the programme testifies to
their staunch commitment for a better tomorrow
for our young generation. They have our guiding
hands when they need them. as a matter of interest
Datin seri Rosmah Mansor is also the stalwart for
the Permata Pintar programme which is earmarked
for our gifted children. In this programme UKM
also gives its undivided support.
Congratulations!
our Vice-chancellor was conferred the state
award DGMK by the KDYMM al-sultan
almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku alhaj
abdul Halim Mu’adzam shah Ibni almarhum
sultan Badlishah, sultan negeri Kedah Darul aman
recently. The prestigious award carries the title of
Dato’ Wira. With the award the official address for
our Vice-chancellor is Professor Tan sri Dato’ Wira
Dr. sharifah Hapsah syed Hasan shahabudin.
since Tan sri hails from alor star, Kedah, the
award is a recognition of the state for her monumental
contributions to nation-building especially in the
field of higher education.
Two senior professors also received state awards.
They are Professor Dr. a. Rahman a. Jamal (Director
of UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute) and
Professor Dr. Roslan abd. shukor (chief editor of
Sains Malaysiana).
The former received DPns and the latter
received DBns. Both awards carry the title of
Dato’. The awards were conferred by DYMM Yang
di-Pertuan Besar negeri sembilan Darul Khusus
Tuanku Muhriz Ibni almarhum Tuanku Munawir on
the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 63rd Birthday
on 14 January 2011.
Jan - March 2011 l 5

Insects Play Vital Role in Catching
Criminals
Insects like blowflies are the first witnesses to reach
a dead body, particularly when a murder has been
committed because a corpse is a source of food and a
breeding ground for insects.
Their presence on corpses have helped forensic
scientists determine the time of death of a victim,
an essential clue needed in solving criminal cases.
Professor Dr Hj Baharudin Hj omar from the
Department of Bio Medical sciences , Faculty of
Health and sciences said, that insects had played
a vital role in solving murder cases since the 13th
century.
In his inaugural lecture ‘Time of Death
Investigation: Blowflies the First Forensic Witness’
he narrated a story from a book “The Washing away
of Wrongs” written by ancient criminal investigation
expert sung Tz’u. It told a story about a homicide case
in a village in china. Physical investigations into the
death had reached a dead end with the murderer still
at large. all the villagers were then told to congregate
in a hall with their sickles. The murder culprit was
indentified when a school of flies was drawn to his
sickle. on closer inspection residues of tissues and
blood were found on the sickle.
Prof Baharudin’s extensive research in the field of
Forensic and entomology (study of Insects) since the
early nineties reveals that after a few hours of death,
blowflies will be the first to arrive on a dead body
and to lay their eggs. They choose a corpse because
it provides ample source of food for their larvae. The
6 l Jan - March 2011
By: shahfizal Musa, centre For corporate communications
Prof. Baharudin talking on forensic science
larvae of blowflies will actually feed on the corpse.
about 400 to 500 larvae will travel together on the
corpse and keep feeding on the different parts of the
body until they are fully mature. The movement and
size of the larvae can be used as a reliable indicator in
determining the time of death of the victim.
Prof Baharudin explained that while a corpse
may seem lifeless it actually supports a hive of
activities by other organisms including bacteria
apart from the insects. Following the blowflies
is a succession of other insects which also helps
to detect and corroborate the time of death.
He said there are those which come early
like blowflies and ants and there are those
which will come at a later stage like flies and
demerstide bug. Thus the different stages of
decay of a corpse, will attract different species
of insects. They thus provide vital information
as to the time of death of the victim.
Prof Baharudin said the presence of insects
can also help determine the cause of death which
can be detected from insects like in a rape case when
infestation of insects will be concentrated in the
private parts of the victim. In suicide cases where a
victim committed suicide with pesticides there will
be a high rate of infestation in the body but not in
the mouth of the victim. It is common for murders
to be committed in one place and the body dumped
in another to avoid detection.
The location of death can be known by
comparing insects found on the body with insects
commonly found in the surrounding environment,
he said. an example would be flies that would only
spawn on a corpse found indoors were found on a
body outdoors. This conflict of habitats suggests that
the body had been moved.
In an impromptu experiment, Prof Baharudin
asked the audience to close their eyes and imagine a
world with no insects. What would actually happen
will be a world full of corpses because the insects
which eat up the corpses are no longer present.
Editor’s Note: This article first appered in UKM News
Portal

UKM Welcomes Its First Woman
Pro-Chancellor
on 5 January 2011, chancellor
DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Besar
negeri sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku
Muhriz Ibni almarhum Tuanku
Munawir presented the instrument of
appoinment to Kedah princess YTM
Tunku Panglima Besar Kedah, Dato’
seri Tunku Puteri Intan safinaz binti
KDYMM Tuanku sultan Haji abdul
Halim Mu’adzam shah as the 10th
Pro-chancellor and the first woman to
hold the position since the inception
of UKM in 1970. It was history in the
making. With the appointment UKM
UKM’s top brass at the historical function
has altogether four Pro-chancellors. The others
are Yang Mulia Tengku Tan sri Dato’ seri (Dr.)
ahmad Rithauddeen alHaj bin Tengku Ismail,
Yang amat Mulia Tunku Laxamana Tunku Dato’
seri Utama naquiyuddin Ibni al-marhum Tuanku
Ja’afar and Yang amat Berbahagia Tun Dato’ seri
(Dr.) ahmad sarji abdul Hamid.
Present at the ceremony were chairman of
UKM Board of Directors Tan sri Dato’ Paduka Dr.
Mazlan ahmad, UKM Vice-chancellor Professor
Address from Her Highness
Tan sri Dato’ Wira Dr. sharifah Hapsah
syed Hasan shahabudin and senior
staff from management and faculties.
In her acceptance speech, Tunku Puteri
Intan safinaz vowed to take UKM to
greater heights. alor star-born Tunku
Puteri Intan safinaz graduated from the
University of sussex in Political science.
she was a Royal Fellow of UKM Institute
of environment and Development
(LesTaRI). she takes a keen interest in
environmental sustainability.
The Kedah Royal House has the
distinction of producing chancellor
and Pro-chancellor for elite local
institutions of higher learning. The late mother of
Princess Tunku Puteri Intan sultanah Tunku Hajah
Bahiyah binti almarhum Tuanku abdul Rahman
was the first woman chancellor of Universiti
Malaya succeeding the late Tunku abdul Rahman
al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. she
served a staggering 14 years from 1972 to 1986
with grace and dignity. she was succeeded by Duli
Yang Maha Mulia Paduka seri sultan azlan shah,
the sultan of Perak. she was the first woman
chancellor in the history of Malaysia.
Jan - March 2011 l 7

Malay Weddings – A Good Time for
Social Networking
‘
Minta maaf Datuk
kerana tak dapat hadir
majlis perkahwinan anak’. I
apologised to Prof. Datuk
Dr. sukiman sarmani for
not able to attend his son’s
wedding reception in 2009.
‘Tak ada masalah, saya
ini banyak anak, you ada
peluang lagi’. ‘no problem, he
replied, ‘I have many children,
there are still opportunities
for you.’ Prof. sukiman sportingly responded. sukiman
has enlarged families. He has sired many children. The
same reply was given to me once by Professor Dato’ Dr.
Yusof othman for the same reason. I missed at least
three times his kind invitations. I felt rather guilty.
Working in UKM has the advantage of being
invited to Malay weddings on a regular basis ranging
from the children of Vc to children of technicians. For
some hot months I receive at least five invitations, some
on the same day. I had to rush from one to another if
they happened to be in Bangi. If they were far apart, I
had to forego one for the other. I tried to make up with
an Ang Pow if I could not make it.
In recent years my wife and my son do tag along.
They like the warm atmosphere of a wedding reception
where everybody is in their sartorial best. It is a happy
occasion. some enjoy the company. some enjoy the
food. I for one like the acar, a mixture of sweet and
sour. It makes the food tastier.
When a Malay professor in Biology was retiring,
he told me he had set aside RM80,000 for his children’s
wedding receptions. His children needed his help. It
applies to all caring and doting parents. He was more
than willing to help as long as the children wanted to
marry and start a family. He looked forward to cuddling
his cucu (grandchildren).
l Jan - March 2011
By: associate Prof. Dr. Koh aik Khoon
A photo for kenang-kenangan
For children of
UKM staff, receptions are
usually held at either Dewan
Gemilang or Dewan Tun
Abdullah Salleh. Those who
chose the former like its
auspicious-sounding name.
Those who chose the latter
like its ambience and space.
I was told that one has to
book a year ahead for the
venue. They are so popular
and hence much soughtafter.
The halls are not always available though especially
during ‘exam seasons’. For those who prefer to have it
near their homes, they have to pitch canopy along the
street with consent from understanding neighbours of
course. The two wedding receptions of the daughters of
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim abu Talib, my colleague were held in
this manner. His good neighbours including Prof. Dr.
Razak Daud were on hand to help him, all in the spirit
of Gotong Royong.
For Malay weddings one can invite more guests
as there is a constant flow of people. There are no strict
seating positions. The guests are free to mingle around
but they don’t linger. There is no incessant toasting of
‘Yum Seng’ as in chinese weddings. They just come and
go in the space of four to five hours. It has its flexibility.
There is always the welcome door-gifts. It varies from
case to case depending on the budget and generosity of
the hosts. I like to take the occasion to pose with the
hosts just for kenangan.
In my years at UKM, I have been invited only once
to a Malay wedding at a five-star hotel with a Minister
among the VVIP’s. after congratulating, I gave Ang Pow
to Prof. Dr. salam Babjee. I said ‘I am enriching the
rich’, salam likes it. I too felt honoured to be among his
selected guests, a great feeling of social acceptance.

Minister Mentor Graces Grand Dinner
More than a thousand alumni
and students of UKM attended
a grand Dinner on 19 January 2011
at DecTaR. It was organised by the
secretariat of 17th Pesta Ang Pow UKM.
Health Minister Dato’ sri Liow Tiong
Lai was the guest-of-honour. Professor
Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hassan Basri, Deputy
Vice-chancellor for academic and
International affairs representing Tan
sri Vc was also present. Negara-Ku and
Varsiti Kita were played as soon as the
Part of the stage performance
Minister had arrived. cultural dances were later
performed, courtesy of our cultural Unit. one of
the unique performances for the night was sand-
painting. on a tray of fine sand, the expert with
dexterity and skills of his fingers doodled figures
which are symbolic of Malaysia and the time. one
moment it was the unmistakable iconic Petronas
Twin Towers and next it was the Rabbit. The year
2011 is the Year of Rabbit according to chinese
Lunar calendar. The audience was spell-bound.
Our Minister Mentor
Dato’ sri Liow in a joyous mood
addressed the audience. He was happy
to be back to his alma Mater. He
graduated with a second-upper Honours
degree in science in 1986. He was glad
to note that UKM has come a long way
and become a premier university. as
one of Minister Mentor of UKM, he
constantly keeps track of its growth and
development.
The students were working hard as a
team to make the Dinner a success. They
were aggressive in fund-raising. Dato’
sri Liow generously donated RM10, 000 for the
Dinner. a successful businessman Dr. alan Kok
was also approached and he donated RM5, 000.
The students with their negotiating skill managed
to get the best deal from a restaurant in sekinchan.
The food was tasty yet affordable, what more with
Yee Sang thrown in.
as a prelude to the chinese new Year, there were
lusty yells of Yam Seng reverberating in the hall. It
was done with chinese tea and soft drink. It was a
test of vocal endurance of shouting Yam ….. Seng.
It was fun alright.
Tossing the Yee Sang
Jan - March 2011 l

10 l Jan - March 2011
Visits by Friends
Hunan University, China, 26 January 2011
Courtesy Call by Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia (H.E. Ihor V. Humennyi), 27 January 2011
MoU Signing Ceremony between UKM & Chung Ang University, Korea, 16 February 2011

Visits by Friends
MoU Signing Ceremony between UKM & University of Tsukuba, Japan, 17 Februari 2011
Delegation from Polish Universities, 16 March 2011
General Edmention of Khon Kaen University, Thailand, 30 March 2011
Jan - March 2011 l 11

Padang – Here We Come
“
Jom kita pergi Padang” (Let’s us go to Padang),
Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hassan Basri, acting Deputy
Vice-chancellor for student affairs and alumni
told Professor Dato’ Dr. Laily Din Director of UKM
alumni Relations office (PPaLumni) one day after
their meeting. Preparations were done in earnest. Three
years ago plans were already made to go there to meet
our fellow alumni but somehow later they were put on
hold. This time with the push from Prof. Hassan, things
are moving again.
an official delegation from UKM consisting of
Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hassan Basri representing Vicechancellor,
Prof. Tan sri Dato’ Wira Dr. sharifah Hapsah
syed Hasan shahabudin, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Laily Din,
assoc. Professor Dr. Koh aik Khoon (Deputy Director of
PPalumni), assoc. Prof. Dr. Marlyna (Deputy Director
of the centre for Graduate Management), Madam
Kiftiah abdul Razak of the Registrar office, Mr. Mohd
Fauzi of PPalumni
and Mr. aiman of the
chancellory headed for
Padang at the end of
February 2011. They
met up with our alumni
from Western sumatera
in Hotel Pangeran
Beach, Padang at 7pm
on 27 February 2011.
about 48 Indonesian
alumni were present
together with six
Malaysian medical
students from the University of andalas. It was a longawaited
gathering and reunion, all in the good spirit
of fellow alumni. Prof. Hassan complimented UKM
alumni Relations office for its concerted efforts in
forging ties. alumni play important roles in enhancing
the image of their alma Mater. In universities like
Harvard and cambridge their strengths are derived to a
large extent from their pool of successful and prominent
alumni.
Dato’ Laily in his speech mooted the idea of
enhancing academic, social and business ties among
the alumni from Indonesia and Malaysia. For academic
ties, for example, it can be in the form of seminars
12 l Jan - March 2011
and conferences. Research collaborations are another
channel for joint-venture. Dato’ himself has many
friends in Indonesia and he made use of the trip to look
up old friends and former students.
Dato’ Paduka Dr. Junaidi abu Bakar, Minister
counsellor (education) at our embassy in Jakarta also
spoke at the function. He is a thorough-bred of UKM
for all his three degrees were earned from the same
institution. He quipped that he had no better university
to enroll. He will be invited to deliver the 5th alumni
lecture later on in the year. The head of alumni from
Western sumatra Dr. Marsis also delivered his speech.
He is attached to the University of Bung Hatta.
The alumni from Padang have already organised
themselves to form a chapter. People like Dr. Marsis, M.
Pd. and Dr. elvis adril were already actively involved.
our Deputy Vice-chancellor was there just to officially
launched the chapter.
Later the Indonesian
alumni were given
the opportunities to
relate their experiences
at UKM. They had
mostly sweet memories
studying at UKM.
some of them jokingly
said they were also
graduates of UM. M
stands for Hotel J.W.
Guests at the launch of UKM Alumni Chapter in Padang
Marriott in Putra Jaya
as some of them were
working part-time there. Their complaint centred
largely on the long delay between submitting their Ph.D
thesis and the viva. some had to wait for one year. Dato’
Hassan assured them that under Iso, the maximum
waiting period is three months. Things have improved.
They also asked that fees be paid in installments for
those who are financially tight. The discussion was
cordial and frank and officials from UKM took note of
their concerns. Madam Kiftiah was there to answer their
questions regarding enrolment. Many of their friends
want to come to UKM to study for s1, s2 and s3.
UKM is a brand-name among our Indonesia friends.
We are proud of our contributions in terms of enhancing
Nusantara ties and educational opportunities.

Re-evaluating the STPD (Liberal Science)
Courses in UKM
on 7 February 2011 Bengkel Kursus Fakulti (sTPD)
2011 was officially opened by Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr.
Hassan Basri (Deputy Vice-chancellor of academic
and International affairs) and later in the day closed
by Prof. Dr. Hj. sahrim ahmad (Dean of Faculty of
science and Technology (FsT)). There were about 50
participants, all from FsT. among the objectives of
the workshop are to reevaluate the relevance of the
sTPD courses, to offer new courses if necessary, to
eliminate courses which were deemed obsolete and to
come up with a mechanism whereby more academics
can be involved in teaching the courses. as a matter of
interest, the previous sTPD Workshop was held on 6
June 2006 with its unique 060606.
Three policy papers were presented by sTPD
veterans. They were Prof. Dato’ Dr. Baharudin Yatim
(organising chairman of the Workshop), Prof. Dr.
Wan Fuad Wan Hassan and assoc. Prof. Dr. Koh aik
Khoon. after each presentation, the participants were
given ample time to comment and give suggestions
on how to make the courses more in tune with the
demand of changing times.
They also voiced problems faced by them in
teaching the courses. There was suggestion from Dr.
azizan ahmad that sTPD courses should be elevated
to the postgraduate level. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Deraman
described the idea as comel. Prof. Dr. shahidan Radiman
(Deputy Dean of student affairs and alumni of FsT)
suggested a new course in Human ecology. It will
address the issue of global warming, environmental
degradation and sources of alternative energy. Wan
Mohd aimran Wan Mohd Kamil was tasked to draft
the course content and syllabus with its objectives and
course outcomes. Wan Mohd aimran very scholarlylooking
is among the many academics who are below
- 40 and is actively involved in teaching the courses.
as mentioned by the three presenters, the sTPD
courses were first introduced by a small group of likeminded
academics consisting of Prof. Dr. shahrir Mohd
Zain (ex-DVc of UKM), Prof. Dr. Khalijah Mohd.
salleh (now retired) and the late Dr. Wan Mohamad
Wan Muda in 1983. They were the spin-offs from their
series of Wacana. The first course introduced was on the
History and Philosophy of science. since then seven
more courses have been added with themes on Values
and ethics in science, computer and Technology
competence and Management, Leadership and
communication.
after nearly 30 years in existence, Dr. Koh
thought it’s time for sTPD courses to have its very
own office where we can proudly call home. The Dean
of FsT promised to see to the need. He wanted brutal
measures to be taken in revamping the courses. He
was very supportive of the Workshop. at the session on
Resolutions (well moderated by Prof. Dr. Wan Mohtar
Wan Yusoff), there was call for Wacana to be revived. It
should be on at least twice a semester. The suggestion
by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Yusof Hj. othman that short
courses should be organised for outsiders was wellreceived.
It can generate income for FsT quipped Wan
Mohtar.
all in all, the Workshop was a success and the
Deputy Vice-chancellor’s counsel for making UKM
graduates more self-employed was well-heeded. sTPD
courses are value-added and they develop generic skills
in students. These are the useful attributes in a working
environment.
The history and story of the sTPD courses
reminds us of the recent creation of the national
council of Professors. It was also mooted by a small
group of academics who were having teh tarik together.
one of them, an associate professor was the driving
force behind it and today we know it has become a
reality. so a small group of like-minded people can
really work wonders. anthropologist Margaret Mead
has succinctly said “never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Mead’s pearls
of wisdom strike a chord in our hearts especially the
UKM academics who have put their whole heart and
soul into the running and eventual success of the sTPD
courses.
Jan - March 2011 l 13

Two “Lost” Tree Species Found in UKM’s
Permanent Forest Reserve
Two species of jungle trees including one that is
not known to be present in the Peninsula were
found in the Bangi Forest Reserve within the Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia campus.
The Ternstroemia magnifica tree(from the Theaceae
family) and a few Botryophora geniculata trees(from the
euphorbiaceae family also known as the putat miang
tree) have been found by the coordinator of UKM’s
Permanent Forest Reserve (HsK UKM), Dr Wan Juliana
Wan ahmad.
The Botryophora geniculata tree is the only one
of its species to be found in the Peninsula so far. The
tree is usually found in Borneo, while the Ternstroemia
magnifica is a newly-found specie here.
By: Kuah Guan oo, centre for corporate communications
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of science and
Technology (FsT) UKM, Prof. Dr. Mazlan abdul
Ghaffar announced the discovery saying that though the
1 l Jan - March 2011
A close view of nature
Dean of FST, Prof. Dr. Sahrim Hj. Ahmad
jungle had been studied for the past 40 years, new species
can still be found there.
He said this at the ceremony to set off UKM’s
scientific expedition to the Forest Reserve today. He is
the chairman of the expedition.
a total of 80 lecturers and
students including from two other
universities are taking part in the
three-day expedition aimed at
studying and recording the flora
and fauna within the 881hectare
Forest Reserve. The forest grounds
also include logged areas and
swamp forest , apart from areas
planted with rubber and palm oil.
Prof. Mazlan said the findings
proved that even though the jungle
had been studied for the past 40

years, there are still new and surprising things that can
still be discovered by the expedition members.
The expedition is the second thus far, allowing
participants to explore UKM’s natural treasures. Prof.
Mazlan called on them to assist in recording new findings
in the jungle before it is developed in the future. The first
expedition was held almost 40 years ago.
“I hope this time around, the findings will be
recorded, shared and publicised at seminars and published
including as coffee-table books or monographs,” he said.
He said scientists taking part in the expedition can
continue their research even after the expedition is over.
UKM is also ready to assist those needing assistance in
their research work.
according to previous records, a total of 164 bird
species had been recorded in the Forest Reserve besides
having valuable trees such as the meranti, jelutung, nyatuh,
keruing and kembang semangkuk.
Gems from our forest reserve
The jungle situated about 40km to the south of
Kuala Lumpur was gazetted as the Bangi Forest Reserve
in 1906. In the 1970s, the area was handed to UKM to
build its campus. In 1993, the Bangi Forest Reserve was
gazetted as the university’s green area and was redesignated
as UKM’s Permanent Forest Reserve, which has five
established routes or pathways.
The forest area was later made a part of the
knowledge eco-tourism tour or “K-eco Tourism” of
UKM. More information can be found at its website
www.ukm.my/hutan.
The Vice-chancellor, Tan sri Dato’ Wira Dr sharifah
Hapsah syed Hasan shahabudin, in her opening speech
ahmad.
said that the expedition was
held in conjunction with
the United nations’ “The
International Year of Forests
2011” and UKM’s 40th
anniversary.
Jan - March 2011 l 15
The expedition has
four main objectives of
looking at the benefits of
forest for human wellbeing,
improving its value; ensuring
good Forest Management
Practices and looking at the
correlation of forest with
daily life, she said in her
speech read out by the Dean
of FsT, Prof Dr sahrim Hj.
she said the Forest Reserve holds around 600 species
of flora including ferns, moss, fungus, algae and lichen
with about 800 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians
and insects.
since 2008, about 3,000 people including those
taking part in the eco-tourism tours had visited the Forest
Reserve.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in UKM News
Portal

List of 33 UKM Start-Up Companies
Already in Operation
Ten of the 33 Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia
start-Up companies (sTUs)
launched by Minister of Higher
education Malaysia, Dato’
seri Mohamed Khaled nordin
are grouped under the UKM-
MTDc symbiosis programme
companies, 19 others are
technology-based companies,
three technology services
companies and a technology
transfer/holding company.
The 10 UKM-MTDc
symbiosis programme companies
are a1 Meditech sdn Bhd, cell Tissue Technology sdn
Bhd, Food Protech sdn Bhd, Gas sensor sdn Bhd,
GreenXs sdn Bhd, Hca Products sdn Bhd, icon
Pharma sdn Bhd, nXPhotonics sdn Bhd, PV&T
Technologies sdn Bhd, and solarGe sdn Bhd.
The 19 technology-based companies are altus
Technology sdn Bhd, Biotech Diagnostics sdn Bhd,
cloudstats sdn Bhd, compleo Technology sdn Bhd,
credo Technology sdn Bhd, electronanotech sdn Bhd,
Fortiscienta sdn Bhd, GreenPolyol sdn Bhd, KieVision
sdn Bhd, K eco Tourism sdn Bhd, MInDs Technology
sdn Bhd, navitas Technology sdn Bhd, nivar sdn Bhd,
Refrex sdn Bhd, serotech sdn Bhd, Tela Technology,
UGreen Tech sdn Bhd, Valde Technology sdn Bhd, and
VLearning sdn Bhd.
The three technology services companies are
MyBioserasi sdn Bhd, MycRo sdn Bhd and UKM
eBiz sdn Bhd, and the technology transfer/holding
company is UKM Technology sdn Bhd (UKM Tech).
The centre for entrepreneurship and sMe
Development (UKM-cesMeD) also launched was
established in october last year to link education,
entrepreneurship and sMes development. cesMeD
provides practical and consulting-based learning and
training approaches that encompasses education, training,
16 l Jan - March 2011
By: siti Madihah ahmad Mahir, UiTM Industrial Trainee
Gens of thought from Dato’ Seri
research, consultancy and
business incubation to promote
the full cycle in entrepreneurship
development and sustainable
growth. The centre promoted
green entrepreneurship and
sMes development, where it
educates graduates to become
responsible entrepreneurs while
linking industrial players to
become its entrepreneurship and
sMes mentors.
Research and Development
and commercialisation
(R&D&c) in UKM is anchored
by the Deputy Vice-chancellor (Research and
Innovation), Prof Dr Rahmah Mohamed and consist
of three organisations, the centre for Research and
Instrumentation Management (cRIM), the centre for
collaborative Innovation (PIK) and UKM Technology
sdn Bhd (UKM Tech). as the research management
centre of UKM, cRIM hands over completed researches
and intellectual properties (IP) to PIK for protection,
either to be patented, copyrighted or trademarked.
When the research or IP is ready to be
commercialised, it is then assigned to UKM Tech that
manages the commercialisation of the IP either through
licensing or via a start-up company.
UKM Tech, established on 28 May 2009, is the
Technology Transfer company as well as the Holding
company for UKM start-up companies and fully
owned by the university. currently it has successfully set
up the 33 university start-ups from technologies with
IP. It aims to step up the commercialisation of UKM’s
R&D and Intellectual Properties by bringing them to
the global market.
UKM Tech collaborates with international
partners such as IsIs Innovation, the Technology
Transfer company of oxford University, UK and stevens
Institute of Technology, Us.

Below is the full list of the sTUs:
StU naMe HeaD OF ReSeaRCHeR teCHnOLOgY
a1 MeDITecH sDn BHD Ms Tan ai ai a1 BoD: a patient transfer device
ceLL TIssUe TecHnoLoGY
sDn BHD
Prof. Dr. Ruszymah Idrus KULITKU: Tissue engineered
human skin
FooD PRoTecH sDn BHD Dr. nazarudin Ramli Technology in producing chocolate
and confectionary products
Gas sensoR sDn BHD Prof. emeritus Datuk Dr.
Muhammad Yahya
carbon monoxide sensor
GReenXs sDn BHD Dr. azimin Tazilan esccube – a smart city kiosk
Hca PRoDUcTs sDn BHD Dr. Mohamed osman Hydroxycitric acid – Weight loss
agent from Roselle mutant
Icon PHaRMa sDn BHD assoc. Prof. Dr. cairul Iqbal nata De coco-based hydrogel for
pharmaceutical, medical & cosmetic
applications
nXPHoTonIcs sDn BHD abang anuar ehsan Plastic optical coupler (PoF) for
fiber in the home & automobile
system applications
PV&T TecHnoLoGIes sDn
BHD
Prof Dr. Kamaruzzaman sopian solar-assisted drying system
soLaRGe sDn BHD Dr. nowshad amin solar charge controller
aLTUs TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
BIoTecH DIaGnosTIcs sDn
BHD
Prof. Ir. Dr. abdul Wahab
Mohammad
Production of Halal collagen and
collagen-based products
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed Diagnostic Kit to detect clostridium
difficile that causes diarrhea
cLoUDsTaTs sDn BHD - online actuarial services
coMPLeo TecHnoLoGY
sDn BHD
cReDo TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
eLecTRonanoTecH sDn
BHD
Prof. Dr. Ismail saiboon Medical devices and products
including the Pelvic Binder
Prof. Rahmah Mohamed Platform technologies for developing
vaccine and diagnostic kits
Prof. Dr. Burhanudin Yeop Majlis Design and development of MeMs,
microelectronics, nanotechnology,
photonics and electrical products
FoRTIscIenTa sDn BHD anasnudin abdullah software solution for Technology
Valuation and Innovative Ideas
Generation
GReenPoLYoL sDn BHD assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairiah Badri Production of Palm oil-based
Polyurethane Polyol
K eco ToURIsM sDn BHD - Virtual reality eco-Tourism at 7
UKM eco labs around the country
KIeVIsIon sDn BHD assoc. Prof. Dr. Rokiah omar Learning disabilities solutions
including a software for testing
that can detect a child’s reading
performance & progress, learning
disabilities & eyesight problems
Jan - March 2011 l 17

StU naMe HeaD OF ReSeaRCHeR teCHnOLOgY
MInDs TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
naVITas TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
1 l Jan - March 2011
Prof Dato’ Dr Halimah Badioze
Zaman
educational courseware for preschool
children
Talib sabri sulaiman software solution to enable product
traceability along the supply chains
nIVaR sDn BHD Prof Dr alauddin Mohd ali non Invasive Vascular age Reader
(nIVaR) as a tool for the screening
and early detection of cardiovascular
diseases
ReFReX sDn BHD sherry sokmum system to provide easy access to
intelligence information aggregated
from UKM and other universities
seRoTecH sDn BHD assoc. Prof. Dr. ahmed Mahir ciliBangi, serai & other agricultural
products from UKM
TeLa TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
Dr chua Kien Hui Technologies from Tissue
engineering centre, HUKM
including chondrocytes & artificial
cartilage
UGReenTecH sDn BHD Prof Wan Ramli Wan Daud Green technology products focusing
on Fuel cell, solar and Wind energy
VaLDe TecHnoLoGY sDn
BHD
- IcT Product Development
company for UKM software /
solutions
VLeaRnInG sDn BHD Dr Rosseni Din Virtual and versatile learning
courseware / educational Tools
MYBIoseRasI sDn BHD assoc. Prof. Dr. anuar osman contract research organisation
offering toxicological and small
animal testing services
MYcRo sDn BHD non-executive chairman: Prof
Dato’ Dr Rahman Jamal
contract research organisation
conducting clinical trials and
bioequivalence studies
UKM eBIZ sDn BHD Director: Ken Low a joint venture company developing
e-Business software with a Hong
Kong IcT company
Minister stamping his mark Making inroads into commercilisation
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in UKM News Portal

Love – the Bedrock of Harmony and
Cohesion
Well before 8pm on 5 March 2011, students
were already seen thronging the newlyrefurbished
Dewan anuwar Mahmud for Panggung
Bodhi 2011. The event has been an annual affair
on UKM campus since thirty years ago. It was
organised by the Buddhist society of UKM. The
theme this time is “Buka
Pintu Hati, Hidup Kian
Terserlah”.
associate Professor
Dr. Koh aik Khoon,
Deputy Director of
alumni Relations office
of UKM representing
the Vice-chancellor
Professor Tan sri Dato’
Wira Dr. sharifah Hapsah
syed Hasan shahabudin
officiated the function
which was well attended by
students from UKM and
other universities in the Klang Valley. Those in the
audience included Dr. chong sheau Tsuey, adviser
to the Panggung Bodhi 2011, their organising
chairman, Mr. Lim Jit Yang and chairman of the
All for harmony and cohesion
A word to Dr. Koh from Lim Jit Yang
committee Mr. Yap choon You together with many
UKM undergraduates from china.
at the start of Panggung, NegaraKu, Varsiti
Kita were played. There was also a multimedia
display of the 2010 function. after his address, Dr.
Koh was asked to knock
at a door and after it was
opened out came students
bearing pictures symbolic
of big hearts. That was the
theme.
In a multicultural
and multiracial country
like Malaysia, deep
understanding between
ethnic groups and faiths is
of vital importance. With
an open heart we dispel
doubts and scepticisms.
We feel more at peace and
at home with each other.
In fact not only
is an open heart vital for
harmony and mutual
understanding, a friendly
outstretched hand is just as
important. The late Prime
Minister of India Indira
Ghandi had famously said
“We cannot shake hand
with a clenched fist.”
Through their
charity-based activities
and heart-warming
sketches, the organisers
of Panggung Bodhi 2011 have shown that Love
for fellow human beings is a foundation for social
harmony, cohesion and family togetherness.
Jan - March 2011 l 1

About the University
Date of establishment
· 18 May 1970
campus size
· Bangi Main campus 1,100 hectares
· Kuala Lumpur campus 20 hectares
· UKM Medical centre 22 hectares
staff
· academic 2,248
· administration (inclusive of
hospital personnel) 7,353
Total 9,601
* As of Oct, 2010
students
· Undergraduate 14,357
· Postgraduate 9,656
Total 24,013
· Foreign 2,477
* As of May 2010
Graduates (1973-2010)
· Bachelors 119,072
· Masters 17,472
· PhDs 1,620
Total 138,164
* As of Dec, 2010
Centres
1. centre for General studies
2. centre for Graduate Management
3. centre for academic advancement
4. centre for Research and Instrumentation Management
5. centre for educational extension
6. centre for students advancement
7. centre for corporate Planning and Quality
8. national PeRMaTapintar centre
9. centre for collaborative Innovation
10. centre for Youth empowerment
11. centre for Information Technology
Facts & Figures
Faculties Year of Establishment
1. Islamic studies 18 May, 1970
2. science & Technology 18 May, 1970
(Restructured 19 July,1999)
3. social sciences & Humanities 18 May, 1970
(Restructured 15 nov., 2001)
4. Medicine 18 May, 1972
5. economics & Management 1 Jan, 1974
(Restructured 11 april, 2004)
6. Law 1 Feb., 1984
7. engineering & Built environment 1 nov., 1984
8. education 16 oct., 1986
9. allied Health sciences 1 sept., 1992
10. Information science
& Technology 1 oct., 1994
11. Dentistry 26 June, 1996
12. Graduate school of Business 10 oct., 2007
13. Pharmacy 1 June, 2008
Institutes Year of Establishment
1. Institute of The Malay 1 Dec., 1972
World and civilisation (aTMa)
2. Institute for environment and 1 oct., 1994
Development(LesTaRI)
3. Institute of Malaysian and 1 april, 1995
International studies (IKMas)
4. Institute of Microengineering 1 nov., 2002
and nanoelectronics (IMen)
5. UKM Medical Molecular 1 July, 2003
Biology Institute (UMBI)
6. Institute of space science 1 august, 2003
(anGKasa)
7. Institute of occidental 20 august, 2003
studies (IKon)
8. Institute of systems Biology
(InBIosIs) 1 July, 2005
9. solar energy Institute 1 July, 2005
(seRI)
10. Fuel cell Institute (seLFUeL 1 July, 2006
11. Institute Islam Hadhari (HaDHaRI) 1 May, 2007
12. Institute of ethnic studies
(KITa) 8 oct., 2007
13. Institute of West
asian studies (IKRaB) 8 oct., 2007
14. southeast asia Disaster Prevention
Research Institute (seaDPRI-UKM) 1 June, 2008
Resonance connotes dynamism and vibrancy. Resonance reflects our vision and philosophy, and it is also in tandem
with our sister publication senaDa. as one of the research universities of Malaysia, dynamiasm is a virtue much
prized by us for it ensures our pre-eminence in the field. other aspects of campus life are not neglected. after all we are
a community of scholars, support staff and students. The pulse and vibrancy of the whole community can be felt as you
read through the pages of Resonance. Happy Reading.
editorial Team
Published by the centre for corporate communications ,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
e-Mail: resonance@ukm.my Tel: +603-8921 5053/+603-8921 5323. Fax: +603-8921 4097
Printed 20 by
l Jan the - March UKM Press, 2011Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia c 2011 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia