Recently I had the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Study for the Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The faculty is planning to offer one of their programmes through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.

Yes… medicine and ODL. Interesting combination :)

The panel itself consisted mostly of medical specialists, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. So naturally, they were the ones looking closely at the medical content, professional standards, and all the important subject matter.

My role was a little different. I was not there as the medical expert .. yup, definitely not that. I was invited in my capacity as someone who works in ODL and instructional design. So my focus was mainly on reviewing the Self-Instructional Materials (SIM) prepared for the programme.

In ODL, the learning materials carry a lot of weight. Since students are not always sitting in a classroom with the lecturer, the materials need to be clear, structured, and able to guide students to learn independently. So part of my role was to look at whether the materials were sufficient and whether the technical and instructional aspects align with the requirements of MQA.

Sometimes people think ODL is just about putting notes online. Ahh… not quite. There is actually quite a bit of thought that goes into how the materials are designed so that students can learn on their own, step by step.

What I found interesting in the meeting was seeing how different expertise came together. The medical experts ensured the discipline knowledge was solid, while my role was to look at the learning design and ODL structure.

And yes… ODL is slowly entering spaces we might not have imagined before, including areas like medical education. #ODListhefuture

in UKM our tagline for ODL is Futuristic Education by The Expert :)

Today was the first class of GP6173 (Digital Citizenship and Cyber Awareness) for Semester 2, 2025/2026. New faces, new energy, and of course, new conversations waiting to happen!
This course dives into the idea of digital citizenship and what it really means to live, interact, and behave responsibly in today’s digital world. We spend so much time online these days that being a “citizen” of the digital space is almost as important as being a citizen in the physical one.
My hope is that students will not only learn about these issues from a theoretical perspective, but also develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of their role as responsible digital citizens. Knowing the risks is one thing. Developing the wisdom to navigate them is another :) ​

Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for the smooth and successful organisation of the Strategic Centre Information Day (HIPS) 2025. Well, ini catatan tertangguh haha. 

For me personally, this programme carried a special significance. In my role as Deputy Executive Director II, HIPS falls under my portfolio, and I had the opportunity to serve as the anchor person for the overall programme. It was more than just coordinating an event .. yup .. it was actually an opportunity to bring the work of the Strategic Centre closer to the wider university community.

HIPS was not simply an information exhibition. It served as a platform for us to share the strategic direction and priorities of the Strategic Centre. More importantly, it allowed us to engage with colleagues across the university and explain how these initiatives contribute to the broader vision and future of UKM.

One of my key hopes throughout the programme was that visitors would leave not only with information, but with a clearer understanding of why these initiatives matter and how each member of the university community plays a role in supporting them. When the direction of the institution is communicated clearly, collaboration becomes easier and more meaningful right! 

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of my colleagues at the Strategic Centre. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the entire team whose commitment, energy and teamwork made HIPS 2025 a success. As with many meaningful initiatives, much of the real work happens quietly behind the scenes.
Every effort we make today is part of a much larger journey. The road ahead may still be long, but with clear strategies, shared commitment and strong collaboration, I am confident that we will continue moving forward in strengthening the future of our university .. inshaAllah! 

Yep .. As 2025 slowly draws to a close, I find myself taking a small pause to reflect on the journey of the past year.
A year filled with responsibilities, long days, and moments that truly tested patience and resilience. And yet, when I look back, the overwhelming feeling is not exhaustion .. rather, it is about gratitude. Somehow, in the midst of all the demands and deadlines, the year unfolded with lessons, growth, and meaningful experiences huhu .. 
One of the most significant transitions for me this year was moving from UKMShape to the Strategic Centre of UKM. The shift meant stepping into a very different portfolio, with new expectations and a broader landscape. At times it felt like learning a new rhythm altogether but I would say it was  a meaningful experience. 
This year also brought several memorable milestones. Being involved in the 10th UKM Bitara Awards, celebrating excellence within the university, was certainly one of them. And of course, the organisation of the Strategic Centre Information Day (HIPS), a programme that carried both responsibility and meaning as we shared the strategic initiatives shaping the future of UKM.
Looking back now, I realise that the year was not defined by how busy it was, but by the people, collaborations, and experiences that came along the way.
And so here we are… at the edge of another year.
With a heart full of gratitude, I look forward to what lies ahead. There is still much to be done, many plans to be realised, and many journeys yet to unfold.
InshaAllah, may the coming year allow us to move forward in full swing  with renewed energy, stronger collaborations, and the quiet determination to continue doing our best for the university we serve ameen ...​

It’s been ages since I last posted here. Life has been busy as always, but I just had to share this recent experience that made my heart full.

Last week, I ran a one-day workshop on Design and Development Research (DDR) for a group of passionate postgraduate students from various universities. And wow… their energy was just amazing!

We covered so many things from what DDR is all about, its research paradigm, key concepts, types, phases, and also a bit on instructional design models. I also guided them on how to craft a strong DDR research proposal. Sounds like a lot for one day? It was, but they were fully into it!

What I loved most were the group discussions and presentations. The ideas that came out were brilliant, and seeing everyone so engaged made the session feel so alive and meaningful.

Some even said, “One day is not enough!” which honestly was such a nice thing to hear. So who knows, maybe next time we’ll do a two-day version.
All in all, I left the workshop feeling super content. Tired, yes, but in the best way 😊
​
Thanks to everyone who joined. You made my day!

Menerima kunjungan daripada delegasi Fakulti Informatik dan Komputeran (FIK), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)  yang diketuai oleh Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Khalid bin Awang, Dekan Fakulti Informatik dan Komputeran. Delegasi turut disertai oleh Dr. Wan Suryani binti Wan Awang Timbalan Dekan (Akademik & Siswazah) dan Dr. Abd Rasid bin Mamat Penyelaras Program Akademik. 

Antara perkara pokok yang dibincangkan semasa sesi ini termasuklah 

➢ Pelaksanaan ODL bagi program pasca siswazah
➢ Kaedah dokumentasi dan implementasi ODL
➢ Pemantauan dan penglibatan pelajar dan pensyarah
➢ Pembangunan Modul Kursus dan Penyediaan SIMS

Memandangkan kesemua ahli delegasi merupakan 'teman sekampung' jadi saya merasakan sesi ini amat dekat di hati, tentulah kerana boleh berbahasa Terengganu dengan lawasnya :D 

Terima kasih teman-teman dari UNISZA yang sudi mampir ke UKMShape. 
Sama-samalah kita mengimarahkan penawaran program secara ODL kerana sudah pasti ODL Is The Future! 

#ODL #ODLUKM #Benchmarking 
​ 

Alhamdulillah selesai satu lagi sesi lawatan penanda aras. Kali ini daripada  Pusat Pembelajaran Fleksibel (CFLEX) UNIMAS yang telah diadakan secara dalam talian. 

Antara yang turut hadir pada sesi yang diadakan secara dalam talian tersebut adalah Dr Kartinah Zen, Pengarah Pusat Pembelajaran Fleksibel (CFLEX) serta para pensyarah UNIMAs yang lain. 

Perbincangan dan perkongsian dibuat seputar isu-isu berkaitan penawaran program Open & Distance Learning (ODL) serta Micro-credential. Meskipun UKM telah mendahului universiti-universiti lain dalam penawaran program secara ODL, masih banyak lagi perkara yang perlu diterokai sekaligus membantu dalam mempertingkat kualiti perkhidmatan buat pelajar ODL kami. 

Semoga sesi ini memberi sedikit input yang berguna kepada sahabat-sahabat di UNIMAS. 

Seringkali saya tekankan setiap kali lawatan penanda aras daripada rakan-rakan universiti lain - bahawa kita bukanlah bersaing antara satu sama lain; sebaliknya kita harus saling memberi sokongan agar agenda untuk menyemarakkan penawaran program secara ODL dan Micro-credential dapat dicapai sekaligus mendokong agenda Pembelajaran Sepanjang Hayat negara. 

Terima kasih Dr Kartinah dan rakan-rakan di atas kunjungan maya ini. 
All the best UNIMAS :) 

#ODL #ODLUKM #Benchmarking 

​Hosted a benchmarking visit from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) at the Canselory building. The session was chaired by our Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and international Affairs), Prof. Dr. Mohammed bin Kassim. 

The head of a delegation from UMT was Prof. Dr. Ahmad Zamri, UMT's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs). We discussed the Strategic Business Unit concept and the programs offered. Open and distance learning programs were among the topics discussed. 

UKMShape telah menerima kunjungan hormat dari Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) bagi tujuan penanda aras. Tujuan kunjungan hormat ini adalah untuk menimba pengalaman dan berkongsi ilmu dalam pengurusan UKMShape bagi meningkatkan jumlah pengambilan pelajar di Pusat Pendidikan Luar UMK (UMKCEE).

Delegasi dari UMK diketuai oleh Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli Bin Che Razak - Naib Canselor UMK, Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Muhammad Ashlyzan Bin Razik - Pengarah UMKCEE, Dr. Siti Bahirah Binti Saidi - Timbalan Pengarah UMKCEE dan En. Mohammad Firdaus Bin Nizam - Pegawai Khas Naib Canselor.

UKMShape diwakili oleh Prof. Datuk Muhammad Bin Hussin - Pengarah UKMShape, Prof. Madya Dr. Fariza Binti Khalid - Timbalan Pengarah I (Akademik dan Pengembangan Program) UKMShape dan turut serta adalah Ketua Bahagian UKMShape.

Semoga kunjungan ini memberikan manfaat kepada kedua-dua pihak dan membawa kepada terjalinnya kerjasama yang baik pada masa yang akan datang.
​
#UKM #UKMShape #UMK

The delegation from Hanyang University, South Korea led by Prof. Dr. Sukjoo Bae (Dean of General Graduate School), Mr. Kunsoo Lee (Senior manager of General Graduate School Administration) and Ms Jiyun Lee (Associate Manager of International Affairs, Admission Program) arrived at the Center for Shaping Advanced & Professional Educational (UKMShape) on their first visit to UKM.

Hanyang University has intended this visit to learn more about how the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) program is conducted by UKM.

The session started with a welcoming speech delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & International Affairs, UKM, Prof. Dr Mohammad Kassim and was passed to Assoc. Prof. Dr Fariza Khalid, Deputy Director I (Academic and Programme Extension) to continue sharing more about UKMShape.

Mrs Nurziyanti Mohamed Khan (ODL’s Project Manager) also presented the process involved in developing the ODL’s programs and the journey until UKM is ready to offer the program to local and international students.

The session was continued by a presentation by Hanyang University on their first Online Program to be offered in September 2023.

Sharing the same method of delivery for both programs ODL UKM and Hanyang University welcomed any opportunity for collaboration between UKMShape and Hanyang University in the near future.
​
#UKM #UKMShape #ODLUKM #OpenDistanceLarning #HanyangUniversity

We received another benchmarking visit, and this time, it was from the Centre for Investment, Endowment and Wakaf (CIEW) and the UMS Centre for External Education (PLUMS). 
Among the delegates was Dr Lim, whom I befriended during our trip to Shanghai last September :) It's good to see you gain Dr Lim! 
We exchanged a lot of ideas on the operational issues, especially regarding the governance and human resources of a Strategic Business Unit (SBU). We were so glad to see more institutions coming to UKMShape. Well, sharing is caring, anyway :) ​

Acara tahun ini berlangsung di DECTAR, namun barangkali kerana acara berlangsung semasa cuti semester, kehadiran tidak semeriah tahun sudah. Anyway, syabas buat semua warga UKMShape di atas kerjasama erat semua dalam menjayakan aktiviti pada kali ini. 

"If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”

23 Jun 2023 | Jumaat

UKMShape menerima lawatan penandaarasan oleh Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) bagi sesi perbincangan berkenaan sistem yang digunapakai, kawalan sistem, struktur penawaran program, modul, pengurusan pelajar dan lain-lain perkara yang berkaitan.

Kunjungan diketuai oleh Ts. Dr. Hasnita Binti Che Harun, Pengarah Pusat Pengurusan Kualiti Universiti (PPQ), diiringi Prof. Madya Dr. Noorul Azwin Binti Md Nasir, Timbalan Pengarah Pusat Pengurusan Kualiti Universiti (PPQ) dan Dr. Nor Hafiza Binti Othman, Ketua Bahagian ODL Pusat Pengurusan Kualiti Universiti (PPQ).
​
Manakala, UKMShape diwakili oleh Prof. Madya Dr. Fariza Binti Khalid, Timbalan Pengarah I (Akademik & Pengembangan Program) dan disertai oleh Puan Nurziyanti Binti Mohamad Khan, Puan Ardilla Binti Muhammad Asri, Puan Zulfarina Binti Zulkeple, Puan Wan Nor Syahira Wan Ali dan Cik Normazwina Balqis Mokhtar dari unit ODL UKMShape.

Yes, it was in July 2023. 
I know - it was a late report, but what to do! Sometimes, I have no idea of what is going on during my days. Time passed by so fast that I couldn't get a leeway to update my very own website. 

Anyway, better late than never. 
The first thing I would say here - terima kasih banyak-banyak to mak tiri USM aka Prof Madya Azidah for having us to visit CADE! I knew by this time she was ready to move to KPT, but luckily for us, we had locked the date. Pheww.. 

We learned a lot from the sharing session by Dr. Jid, specifically on how USM spurred the spirit of MC among academic members. 

​Wishing you all the best in BKA Dr Jid! 

#microcredential #UKM