Tag: Academia – Projects

Reconfigurability, reusability and modularity =)

Congratulations Dr. Nurulfadzilah Hasan for successfully completing her PhD at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah. Her unique journey stands as a persona of perseverance, dedication, and passion for knowledge.

Her research focused on formulating a novel material, barium titanate, for microstrip patch antenna applications. Through her innovative approach, she successfully achieved a high dielectric constant, contributing to the miniaturization technique of antenna design. This advancement not only demonstrates scientific excellence but also opens new possibilities in the field of wireless communication.

Balancing the demanding roles of a mother, lecturer, and researcher is no easy feat. Yet, Dr. Nurulfadzilah has managed to navigate each with grace and resilience, setting a powerful example for aspiring researchers and working mothers alike.

As her supervisor, it has been an honor and privilege to guide and learn alongside her. This project has enriched my own understanding, particularly in the chemical, electrical, and mechanical characterization of materials for antenna design.

The antenna is the heart of wireless communication, the bridge that connects people, ideas, and technologies. By pushing its boundaries through material innovation, we move closer to improving the way humans live, communicate, and interact.

Once again, congratulations Dr. Nurulfadzilah on your outstanding achievement. Your hard work and determination truly embody the spirit of scientific discovery and lifelong learning :).

 

Today I presented a work on A Study on Proficiency in Media and Information Literacy in the International Conference in Engineering Education (ICEED 2025) in Kuching Sarawak. This work is the extension of an earlier study, “Assessing Information Literacy Levels Among Underprivileged Communities” published in the Journal of Media Literacy Education (2024) that roots back to a collaborative project supported by a UNESCO IFAP grant in 2021.

From Community Literacy to Engineering Education

The earlier research focused on identifying information literacy gaps among underprivileged communities, revealing that misconceptions often arise when individuals lack structured approaches to evaluating information. Building on this, the current study expands the scope to assess media and information literacy (MIL) competencies across diverse demographics in Malaysia, with a specific emphasis on understanding both perceived abilities (via Likert scales) and actual knowledge (via concept inventory–style test scores).

The findings shows that while participants demonstrated confidence in basic searching and retrieval skills, critical evaluation and ethical content creation remained weak points. Importantly, the study showed that perceived competencies do not always align with actual proficiency, highlighting the persistence of misconceptions when navigating online content.

Why MIL Matters in Engineering Education

Linking this to engineering education, the implications are significant. Engineering students and professionals increasingly rely on digital platforms for:

• • Technical information retrieval – sourcing datasheets, academic papers, and technical standards.

  • Critical evaluation – distinguishing credible research from unverified online content.

  • Ethical content creation – producing reports, designs, or media that respect intellectual property and promote integrity.

  • Digital security – protecting data and managing privacy in collaborative platforms and IoT-based environments.

Deficiencies in MIL can therefore affect the quality of problem-solving, research rigor, and ethical decision-making in engineering practice. By embedding MIL competencies into engineering education, institutions can cultivate graduates who are not only technically skilled but also responsible digital citizens capable of navigating the complexities of today’s information-rich environments.

Media and information literacy is not peripheral but central to engineering education. It contributes directly to cultivating engineers who can think critically, communicate ethically, and innovate responsibly. For educators, it offers a reminder that curricula should integrate MIL training alongside traditional technical subjects, ensuring that graduates are equipped to evaluate, create, and protect digital knowledge effectively.

I would like to sincerely thank each and everyone who has been involved in this study—from the participants and enumerators to my colleagues at UMPSA STEM Lab, as well as our collaborators and supporters through the UNESCO IFAP grant, British Council, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Miniatry of Higher Education Malaysia. Your contributions, guidance, and commitment have been invaluable in shaping this work and bringing it to the international stage at ICEED 2025.