Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) held the Seminar Technology Update 2018 with the theme Smart Classroom Technology for 21st Century Learning (PAK21) on 18 November, which involved about 1000 participants from the teaching profession.

The purpose of this seminar was to expose and share the latest educational technology to education agencies in the state of Johore.

The Minister of Education Malaysia, Dr. Maszlee Malik, officiated the closing ceremony and at the same time launched MyRIVET, which is a national TVET research institute assisting in relevant human resource development.

Among the attendees to the event were the Higher Education Director-General , Ministry of Education, Datin Paduka Dr. Ir Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Vice Chancellor of UTHM, Professor Ts. Dr. Wahid Razzaly, Johore State Education Director, Tuan Haji Shaharudin Sharif, and member of UTHM Board of Directors, Profesor Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah.

In his speech, Dr. Maszlee emphasized the importance of involvement from educational technology key players both locally and abroad, as well as education agencies in Johore, in future collaborations.

“MOE’s effort to equip schools with the elements needed for PAK21 is costly, especially for the purpose of classroom refurbishment.”

“Despite that, there are schools that have had PAK21 classrooms funded by the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG), alumni association, private sector and donation from others.”

“For example, I was informed that UTHM has contributed the Interactive Flat Panel of 75 inches to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sultan Sir Ibrahim in Kluang as a symbol of collaboration between UTHM and the Ministry of Education in exploring PAK21 technology in Malaysia”, he added.

Dr. Maszlee also commended the setting up of a TVET research institute at a national level, also known as Malaysia Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (MyRIVET).

He further mentioned that this research institute is responsible for the process of TVET-related data collection, analysis and evaluation, as well as in disseminating research findings through professional services and training.

Meanwhile, Professor Ts. Dr. Wahid, in his speech said that UTHM played a significant role in the setting up of the institute as the university acknowledges the importance of supporting positive development of TVET in this country; specifically in enhancing research and evaluation based on the evidence in information and operational standard amongst the multi-TVET practitioners in Malaysia.

It is hoped that the institute is can assist the government and industry in developing human resources in Malaysia, he added.

In the event, Dr. Maszlee also witnessed the handing over of contributions from the industries including from: Extreme Networks, BenQ, Crestron, Haier, Logitech, Projector Doctor, QNAP, RICOH and Sangfor to UTHM for the purpose of Research and Innovation funding at the university.