Articles #3

TNB To Make First FiT Payment

MANJUNG: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), which is expected to pay RM300mil a year to Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) for feed-in-tariff (FiT), will make its first payment next week, according to (Renewable Energy and Green Technology), customer service and metering, distribution division head Abdul Rahim Jamil.

“If you take TNB’s revenue for one year, it’s about RM30bil. So the 1% of that (for renewable energy fund) is about RM300mil. That is the estimate the Government is using to gauge the collection. But of course, the real payment would depend on how much we can collect from our customers,” he said at a briefing on Monday.

Abdul Rahim said TNB first payment to be made would be for the month of December but it would not be substantial as FiT had just started.

“According to the law, we have to pay Seda by April for December payment. By next week, we should be paying Seda for December’s. January’s payment to the RE (renewable energy) fund will be in May, February’s payment in June. There’s a lag of about four months,” he said.

The lag period, he said, was mainly because of the collection from TNB’s customers. TNB customers are generally given 30 days to pay their bills and some do not pay their bills on time, thus making it difficult for TNB.

Seda is expecting 985MW or 6% of total country’s energy mix to come from RE in 2015 and currently 68.45MW are connected to the grid.

As at Feb 29, Seda has approved 377 applications for RE with installed capacity of 311.56MW. Of the amount, 140.03MW installed capacity was from solar photovoltaic (PV).

On the signing of renewable energy power purchase agreement (REPPA), Abdul Rahim said TNB was still within its timeline.

He said the REPPAs were signed with small solar PV producers and TNB would be signing with bigger producers soon. — By Leong Hung Yee

SOURCE: Ditrolic Solar Technology

Articles #2

DIGITAL SATELLITE NEWS GATHERING Cover news the digital way TM is introducing the Digital Satellite News Gathering Service, the latest technology in the market to facilitate up-linking of news by pumping live telecasts from a location to a Satellite Earth Station. This technology has enhanced TM's news gathering services in places where conventional methods like cable feeding is absent or impossible to lay due to the short notice given by the broadcasters. This is a satellite-based system for instantaneous and live news/special event/game coverage from anywhere to anywhere at anytime by using portable, flyaway or mobile systems.

Service Features Flexible and superior quality either in Digital or Analogue system; Rapid response anywhere at anytime (24-hour service); Full redundancy on-board mobile systems; Worldwide access and delivery (fully tested and verifed with Intelsat, Panamsat and Measat satellite systems); Communication packages via satellite (duplex communication); Drastic reduction in size & cost; End-to-end service; KU-Band or C-Band; and Highly reliable.

Service Applications Live sports and news coverage (domestic and international); Special events coverage (Summit, corporate meetings); Concerts coverage; Games coverage (cricket, football); and Business television.

Price/Tariff Negotiable & Customized SOURCE: Telekom Malaysia (TM)

Articles #1

'Future Generations Need Higher Order Thinking Skill'

PUTRAJAYA- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today called for the country's education system to focus on developing intellectual capital, saying the effort was necessary to equip the future generations with the higher order of thinking skills.

He said this was important because the country aspired to prepare the younger generation to enjoy not only the benefits of today but also the more glorious future.

In the future, the younger generation would have to occupy jobs which might not exist today, and the challenge of the country was to find ways to prepare them for that scenario, he said.

"How do we prepare them for jobs that do not exist? The answer is that we cannot because we do not know the types of job that do not exist yet. We can only prepare them in terms of their capacity to think ... (to take them to) the higher order of thinking skills," he said at the Premier Assembly of Outstanding Teachers 2012 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here.

"This is to make them not only sharp and in-depth in their thinking but also to be creative and innovative, so that they have the flexibility to adapt to any situation that may arise," he said. -- Bernama

SOURCE: New Straits Times

Articles #5

MMU EYES FUTURE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY

Scouting for a degree Programme Leaving school after it may be a daunting experience for Most school leavers.

There are many considerations weighing That need, including the growth of the industry Selected Potential and cost of the Programme pursued as Decisions made cans make or break one's Career path of economic downturn in events or business uncertainties.

But there is one industry That is on the rise in Malaysia. It is none other than Nanotechnology. School leavers or Any Candidates Considering the engineering Programme Nanotechnology alternative cans.

Although the field is still in its infancy, there is Growing interest and expenditure in it.
Multimedia University (MMU) vice-president of Academic, Associate Professor Wong Eng Kiong says: "We are seeing a slow but steady Increase in Enrolment in our Nanotechnology Programme Because of the government's Emphasis under the 9th Malaysia Plan."

Under the 9MP, RM124.3 million has Been allocated for the Nanotechnology industry. The inauguration of the Malaysia Nanotechnology Association (MNA), governmental support for Nanotechnology is at an all-time high as the technology cans revolutionise the entire manufacturing industry.

One way this is achieved is by generating new TYPES of Nanomaterials, applicable in the metal, chemical and nanoelectronics industries. Other industries benefit That cans are automotive, pharmaceuticals and health sciences, as well as information technology.

Realising the Potential huge in store for the industry, recently launched its MMU Bachelor of Electronics Engineering (Hons) majoring in Nanotechnology. It is the first of Nanotechnology Azizuzanadi courses to be offered in the country.

"Nanotechnology Programme This is a true landmark offerings," says Wong.
Previously he said, Those who wished to Pursue a Career on Nanotechnology must go Overseas.
"Now, you're free to join as an Undergraduate and be part of a growth industry."

He adds That the Career prospect for a nanotechnologist is quite Healthy and Promising.
He adds That the past FEW years not have seen an Increase in Enrolment mechanical engineering, due to the manufacturing industry in the country. Telecommunications engineering Remains also rates a popular choice.

MMU is one of the very FEW Institutions in the country's offerings Undergraduate Programme in Nanotechnology
Intakes are open this month in the fields of engineering, IT, management and creative multimedia.

SOURCE: MMU

Articles #4

AWARD WINNING TECHNOLOGY DETECTS FAULTS BEFORE BLACKOUTS

A Curtin University researcher who developed a technique to detect transformer faults responsible for power outages is the winner of the 2012 Curtin Commercial Innovation Awards.

Dr Ahmed Abu-Siada has created a software-based technique that creates an image of how the transformer should be functioning, and then detects faults in real-time without disrupting the supply of power.

Director of Curtin’s Office of IP Commercialisation, Rohan McDougall, said transformers are a vital piece of electricity infrastructure, and transformer failures can be catastrophic, leading to explosions, fires and power outages, making this a critical innovation.

“When a major fault occurs on an in-service transformer, the results can be far-reaching, requiring costly repairs, causing environmental damage and resulting in potential for serious injury – the costs can run into millions of dollars,” he said.

“But this technique created by Dr Abu-Siada is able to identify the type of fault, and even issue an early warning signal, causing minimal disruption to electricity supply and end users.”
The real advantage to the technique is its ability to be applied every 20 milliseconds to immediately detect changes to the transformer. It uses algorithms to provide a visual output to the service technician, who can then identify the faulty transformer and know the fault type they are dealing with before fixing it.

Curtin is currently looking at opportunities to develop commercial relationships to further develop and implement this unique technology.

Professor Xiangyu Wang was named runner-up for developing an integrated system for the iPad and other handheld devices, to solve significant time and cost issues in mega construction projects. The system works by intelligently extracting information from a variety of sources and putting it in the hands of the worker, in situ.

The Early Research Career Award was presented to a PhD student, Chiragkumar Desai, who developed a mini-emulsion method for drug delivery, which improves the bioavailability and safety profile of drugs.

The Awards were established in 2007 and aim to identify new technologies, products or services arising from research at Curtin, with prizes for this year totalling more than $40,000 in cash and in commercialisation services provided by the award’s sponsors.

Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Development, Professor Graeme Wright, said the winning technology was a fine example of the University’s high level, industry-relevant research and focus on providing a range of practical solutions to community needs.

“Dr Ahmed Abu-Siada is well deserving of this award and the detection of faults in power transformers is a great example of the commercial potential coming out of Curtin,” Professor Wright said.

“All of our finalists and winners at today’s Awards demonstrate the University’s strength in this area and should be commended for their achievements. In the years to come, we will see many more fine examples of products and solutions that offer real commercial potential and provide significant benefits to the community.

SOURCE: CURTIN UNIVERSITY, by Megan Meates

Articles #3

SEGi PRODUCES ETHICAL COMPUTER HACKERS

The pervasiveness of computers is continuing to grow at an exceptional rate. As we become increasingly dependant on technology across all aspects of our life, we also become increasingly susceptible to security threats, which can occur hourly in computer systems.

Computers are systematically being victimised by epidemic hacking. As the rate of hacking attacks gradually increases around the world, it becomes a major concern within organizations regardless of their network infrastructures.

However, this threat also presents a great opportunity for those who are versed in the field of ‘ethical hacking’. Ethical hacking is the scientific approach of understanding tools, techniques and methodologies used by malicious hackers with the aim of developing a security system which is non-hackable.

In recognising this opportunity, SEGi University College collaborates with EC-Council Academy to integrate EC-Council IT Security Programme, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), into the Bachelor of IT (Hons) programme and offer the CEH course to its students as an industry skill course.

To formalise this collaboration, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between SEGi University College and EC-Council Academy was held on 14 April 2011 at the SEGi flagship campus in Kota Damansara.

Signing the MOU was Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, SEGi University College Vice-Chancellor, and Wilson Wong, EC-Council Asia Pacific Managing Director. Also present to witness the signing was Professor Dr. BC Tan, SEGi University College Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, and Chin Yuen Kin, EC-Council Academy Centre Director.

During his welcome address, Professor Muhamad said, “We are all guilty of being increasingly dependent on technology in our everyday lives. We rely on it in both our work lives and personal lives to do anything from gathering and storing information, to retrieving and sending it. I am sure that for most people present today it has become pervasive – from your smart phones and tablets to your company networks and servers.

“This increasing dependence on information technology is creating a need to improve the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information, to ensure that computer and communications systems are less vulnerable to intentional and accidental error or misuse. The key is for those professionals who are in change of overseeing the security to think like a hacker, thus always staying one step ahead.”

In addition to the CEH course, the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) offers a whole spectrum of industry-standard IT Security and E-Business programmes to address these critical issues across all industries. The EC-Council certification programmes combine both business and technical training to impart solid background necessary to build successful e-Businesses.

Following Professor Muhamad’s opening address, Mr. Wong spoke about the collaboration with SEGi and the importance of computer security.

“Cyber attacks are frequent and efficient; there are financial frauds, data beaches, cyber threats and attack news reported daily. Cyber attack towards organizations increases steadily over the years, even with increased IT infrastructure investment every year. Organizations today are taking note on the importance of well-trained IT Security professionals on maintaining and securing the business and reputation of an organization. The industry is in urgent need for cyber warriors to deal with cyber attacks that may occur anytime,” added Mr Wong.

“According to MSC Malaysia Supply-Demand Study of the ICT Industry by Frost & Sullivan, The MSC cluster is poised to add 50,000 new knowledge workers over the next three years (2010-2012). The MOU today reflects SEGi University College and EC-Council Academy contribution of producing a pool of highly skilled cyber warriors as the country gets closer towards its ambition to be a developed nation by 2020.”

To date, SEGi Education Group is the largest private institution of higher learning in Malaysia with more than 23,000 students across its six campuses in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, Sri Kenbangan and Kuching.

SEGi Education Group offers programmes from foundation and diploma level to bachelor and master degrees in information technology, medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, business, engineering, built environment, creative design, hospitality & tourism, education and social sciences. They also offer the popular American Degree Program as well as the Doctor of Business Administration.

SOURCE: SEGi College

Articles #5

UTM WON FIRST PRIZE IN INTERNATIONAL ROBOT PRIDE COMPETITION 2012, KUCHING SARAWAK

JOHOR BAHRU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) team was adjudged the First Prize (Gold) winner at the 2012 International Robot PRIDE competition in Kuching, Sarawak, on 6^th. September 2012. They brought home RM2000, Robot NAO software, trophy and certificate.

The competition was organized alongside the International Robot and Intelligent Sensors Symposium IRIS2012 from 4-6 September 2012 and co-organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), MySET, MyRAIG and Nagoya University.

The second prize winner was ‘Hand-Instruction Controlled Robot Car Using Kinect’ from USM while the third prize went to Swinburne University for their ‘Self-Balancing Tray’.
The objective of this competition is to explore and exhibit innovative ideas and design within the scope of Robotics, Sensors, Automation and Intelligent Systems.

Team leader, Dr Yeong Che Fai, said the competition was open to participants from all countries with three open categories: School, University/Colleges and Industrial/Individual. Others team member were Dr Eileen Su Lee Ming, Hisyam Abdul Rahman, Tan Ping Hua and Ricky Yap Wee Yang.
“Winning entries were determined based on three rounds of judging, with different set of panels for each round.
“The first round is a project proposal selection by the organizers; the second round is an exhibition with interview while the final round is a presentation to international panels,” he said.

UTM team submitted a project entitled ‘One degree-of-freedom Haptic Device to Train Stroke Patient’s Forearm Pronation/Supination’ under the University/College category few months earlier for review and was among the shortlisted 16 proposals in our category to advance to second round.

Besides each team from Japan and India, the other shortlisted teams were from Malaysian institutes of higher learning.

Dr Yeong, who presented the product on behalf of the team said, during the second round exhibition judging, the university teams were evaluated by three judges – two international judges from Iran and a Malaysian industrial representative.

“The judges selected only six teams from the exhibition to advance to the final round. The finalist teams were from UTM, USM, Swinburne University, UM and UiTM with two teams.
“The final round presentation took place the next day with international judges from London, Japan and India,” he cited.

SOURCE: UTM