Potential Collaboration with IIM...

Today ARI was visited by three officers from the Malaysian Institute of Integrity. We discussed for possible collaborations between ARI/UiTM and the IIM. Two possible areas identified were research, training and publication in financial integrity and corporate social responsibility. Project details will be discussed by both parties soon. ARI and UiTM members who are keen to participate in the projects please give your name to Prof Rashidah at shidah@salam.uitm.edu.my or to Ms Wan Mariati at wanmariati@salam.uitm.edu.my

Research on Credit Card Liability?.

Today I saw some write ups in the weekend newspapers about credit card dependence amongst Malaysian professionals. The two age groups mostly affected by the credit card liability are those within the 35-44 & 45 - 54 years of age. It was also mentioned that these credit card users are just paying the minimum monthly payment, hence their liability accumulates. This dependence on credit cards is indeed a worrying phenomenon. ARI is interested to conduct a study on financial literacy among young professionals. We also hope to examine their saving and expenditure habits. Any takers?...

Fire Drill VS a Meeting....

Yes, we have always been told that when there's a fire drill, we must all participate. Treat the drill as if as there's a real fire. We were at UPM recently to learn about one of the university's data management system for RU. Then, while we were starting our meeting, we heard the fire alarm followed by siren from the fire department. Just as we were thinking that may be we should just continue with our meeting, we heard knocks on the door and we were ordered by the fire department officers to leave the building immediately. What if it had been a real fire?. It was a great lesson...

Journal Meeting

As the chairman of the RU Publication Committee on Citation and Impact Factor, I was involved today with the discussion on journal consolidation with the journal editors at UPENA. It was an interesting meeting as everyone was excited with the prospect of submitting our university journals for possible registration with Scopus or ISI Thomson. As the university is also focussing on lecturers to publish in Scopus & ISI journals, it is also natural that we must also register our journals with these two publication database companies. Prof Bakar who is the Assistant Vice Chancellor was also there to brief the editors.

Copyrights

From now on, all ARI members must be deliberate in their action in obtaining at least a copyright for all their inventions, design, software and even training modules. Once your work is copyrighted, your ideas or concepts are protected. How to get the copyrights? Please get the necessary forms to apply for your IPR from the UiLC or from the DVC (Networking & Community) offices.

The Six Thinking Hats: Edward De Bono

It was such a great opportunity for me to be able to attend a talk by Dr De Bono at the Annexe Hall UiTM today. The event which was sponsored by Sime Darby Bhd was attended by lecturers, administrators, Industrists and students. For me, one of the most striking thinking concepts that he deliberated today was the Six Thinking Hats. Very often, we are faced with situations where we spent a lot of time and efforts arguing on issues simply because we disagree with a concept or idea. In a "Six Thinking Hats" situation, everyone thinks in parallel towards the same course. Each of the six hat groups: Red, Green, White, Black, Blue and Yellow assumes different roles. Rather than arguing, the ideas and concepts are further built up to benefit the organization. If you don't understand this concept, read his book by the same title...

UiTM Holding: the University Business Arm

The UiTM Holding is the business arm of our university. Formed more than three years ago, the entity facilitates all business-related activities of the university. Currently, one of the most important functions of UiTM Holding is to assist UiTM inventors and innovators to commercialise their products or services. The opportunity to meet and discuss with Encik Ahmad Reza, the CEO of UiTM Holding makes me realize the many untapped potentials for UiTM to generate its own income. He has interesting vision and business plans that the university can explore. Seen here is En Ahmad Reza (the one closest to the camera) in serious discussions with some members of the UiLC Committee.