JOHOR BAHRU, 12 September 2025 – The Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully held the Closing Ceremony of FS Research Month 2025 at the Al Razi Auditorium, TO2, Faculty of Science. The ceremony was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science, who delivered her closing address, accompanied by a speech from Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development).
Dean’s Address
In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir expressed her deepest appreciation to all staff, researchers, and students for their dedication throughout the nearly two-month-long program. She emphasized that the program was not only about sharing knowledge but also about fostering collaboration, building networks, and inspiring young academics to excel in research.
She reminded participants that research must go beyond academic needs and should be translated into impactful outcomes that benefit the university, industry, community, and nation. The Dean also highlighted the importance of innovation as a driver of progress, aligning with UTM’s tagline “Innovating Sustainable Solutions.”
“This closing ceremony is not the end but a beginning. Let us continue to be proactive, creative, and collaborative in ensuring that our research brings tangible benefits to society,” she said.
Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development) Address
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, in his address, highlighted the FS Research Month journey since its inception in 2019, which has grown into a signature program of the faculty. He proudly shared the success of this year’s edition, which featured 14 series of programs, including workshops on research products, book publication, international grants, intellectual property, and industry collaboration
TEKS UCAPAN TDPIP (2025)
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He also shared inspiring testimonials from FS researchers who benefited from the program. Among them was Dr. Fariza Hanim (Physics Department), who secured the Kurita Water and Environmental Foundation Grant with strong mentoring support, and Dr. Juan Matmin, whose participation led to an MoU with Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) in China. Additionally, Dr. Izat (Mathematics Department) was motivated to work on six book chapters following his engagement in the sessions.
“FS Research Month is not just a program, but a transformative experience. It gives confidence, strengthens networks, and opens doors for greater opportunities,” he noted.
Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam also called for sustained commitment beyond the annual event, encouraging staff and research groups to continuously organize RDCI (Research, Development, Commercialization & Innovation) activities throughout the year.
The Deputy Dean ended his speech with a poetic touch, presenting pantun that underscored FS’s commitment to nurturing research excellence and sustainable innovation:
Bulan Penyelidikan, sinar berseri,
Ilmu digali, penuh semangat tinggi;
Fakulti Sains terus berdikari,
Menjana inovasi, demi masa hadapan lestari.
Looking Ahead
The FS Research Month 2025 has once again demonstrated the strong research culture of the Faculty of Science, strengthening the ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. With the momentum gained, FS aims to nurture more competitive researchers who can contribute significantly at national and international levels.
Full details of the program and highlights are available at the UTM Faculty of Science Research portal: https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/.
📍 Event Details:
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Date: 12 September 2025
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Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
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Venue: Al Razi Auditorium, TO2, Faculty of Science
