NMT Programme 2023/2024: Empowering early career academics

The training programme gathered 20 academics from Malaysian universities, including Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Sunway University, and UTAR.

The objectives of the training programme included addressing performance gaps in current academic career models in Malaysian universities, developing new career pathways and recognition systems including Key Intangible Performance (KIP), and creating a leadership competencies framework. It included two workshops, online onboarding, and mentoring sessions. At the training programme, participants identified key issues in academic career progression, explored future-oriented academic management, and developed an individual Personal Action Plan (PAP) to design a new academic career model, which was shared in the final workshop.

Over four days, the organisers invited nine prominent academics, trainers, and experts to participate. Keynote speakers and experts included UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Multimedia University (MMU) academic Prof Dr Ong Duu Sheng, UKM academic Prof Dr Andanastuti Muchtar, UTAR Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) Director Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, UTAR Academic Quality Assurance and Audit Dean Ir Prof Dr Rajkumar Durairaj, CHE Centre for Higher Education Senior Expert Dr Jutta Fedrowitz, University of Potsdam Coordinator of National Multiplication Programme Ms Xia Qin, UTAR Department of Student Affairs Manager Mr Ng Foo Yek, and UPM Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security Director Prof Dr Anjas Asmara bin Samsudin.

On the final day of the training programme, Prof Dato’ Ewe delivered a keynote speech titled “Future Education for the Digital and AI Era”. Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised the crucial role of education in developing self-awareness, self-discipline, and adaptability, particularly in the AI era. Furthermore, he recommended the documentaries “Social Dilemma” and “AI Dilemma” to understand technology’s impacts. Among the important future skills he highlighted were adaptability with deep learning and mental balance with emotional intelligence. He also mentioned that moral and ethical education helps students to thrive and contribute positively in a rapidly changing world.

The participants found the workshop highly engaging. The training programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony and a group photo session.