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By Intan Syadirah Abd Samad – 26 Nov 2023 Universiti Malaya: A sense of pride, accomplishment, and joy filled the 63rd Universiti Malaya Convocation Day, as graduates from a range of fields gathered to commemorate the triumphant end of their academic careers. A varied graduating class, including students from the humanities, business, science, engineering, and more, was present during the convocation ceremony. Graduates ‘Izzah binti Zamri and Shahrul Iskandar bin Md Shaban provided insight into the difficulties encountered in the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme and how they overcame them in an engaging interview session during Universiti Malaya's 63rd graduation ceremony. When asked about challenges that they faced during their studies, both graduates agreed upon time management. "I faced moments of laziness until the last minute, but one thing that helped me was planning. Time management is crucial, and having ideas beforehand is equally important, but execution matters," shared 'Izzah. "Balancing academic and extracurricular activities, especially in Universiti Malaya, can be exhausting. I'm actively involved in residential college activities, making it challenging to find the right balance," explained Shahrul. Upon further interview, when asked about how both of the interviewees’ perspectives have changed towards their chosen profession after completing their studies, 'Izzah shared that before graduation, she initially aspired to become a teacher. But, after graduation, she experienced the challenges and rewards of teaching, and her perspective shifted towards wanting to be a teacher who not only shares knowledge but also inspires students to exceed their potential. The teaching practical exposure during her studies influenced her perception of the teaching profession. On the contrary, Shahrul saw the education field as highly challenging, and he was uncertain if he could handle it. However as he matured during his studies, he developed a love for teaching. Realizing his capabilities and gaining practical experience, he became more prepared for the future. His initial uncertainty transformed into confidence and a genuine passion for the profession. Convocation day served as a meaningful moment of reflection and anticipation as the graduates began the next phase of their lives. The 63rd Convocation Day of Universiti Malaya was a fitting commemoration of the graduating class's academic success, highlighting the university's dedication to producing well-rounded people who are prepared to face tomorrow's problems. Congratulations to every graduate of the 63rd Convocation of Universiti Malaya!

by Zhang Xinyue - November 15, 2023 Photo from perkingthepansies.com UNIVERSITI MALAYA –Telecommunication fraud cases against international students have been common in recent years. We interviewed two Chinese students, Yuzuo and Ziheng, who had the same experience. According to Yuzuo and Ziheng, their rental contract was due to expire on October 30, 2023, and they explained to the landlord that they wanted to renew the lease one month in advance. The landlord asked them to pay the normal rent after the expiration date and did not mention anything about signing a renewal contract. A week later, the landlord suddenly asked them to move out of the apartment and said that he would not sign a renewal contract with them, Yuzuo and Ziheng had no choice but to find a new place to live and move out very quickly, return the rent and clean up the house as required. As all the transactions and contracts were done online, the landlord started not answering the phone or replying to messages on various excuses, and the deposit of RM 12,250 was not refunded by the landlord. Until now, no matter how to contact the landlord's WhatsApp will always show online do not reply. It is understood that, in addition to the fraudsters, the fraudulent means are the following. 1.Scholarship fraud. These people will claim to be the staff of the school, informing the international students that there is a scholarship to be received, and then will notify the students by phone, SMS, email and other ways. The scammers will then ask the students to activate the scholarship with money, send SMS or log on some websites in order to get the scholarship. As a matter of fact, scholarship notifications are sent out by official school emails and will not be communicated to you through phone calls and text messages. 2.Scam that carried out by disguising as official personnel. Scammers usually use the identity of embassies and police to falsify facts and create traps, claiming that the victim has committed a major crime or has important documents seized and will be restricted from entering or leaving the country, etc., and use various ways to get personal information of international students. Some of them even call the parents of the students, saying that their children have committed a crime abroad and need to transfer money to deal with it. 3.Payment of fees. Crooks will use the reason that the foreign students' personal foreign exchange limit is insufficient to help them pay tuition fees or other large fees on behalf of the foreign students, and they will use a third-party credit card to "really pay on behalf of the foreign students" and send a screenshot of the payment. After the international student pays the equivalent amount of money to the scammer, the scammer will contact the credit card company to cancel the transaction and then blackmail the international student. Many scammers take advantage of international students' unfamiliarity with foreign laws and societies, as well as their fear of the government and police, to trick them into providing personal information, transferring money, downloading malware, and so on. These scams are often carried out in the name of organizations posing as embassies, consulates, schools, police, etc., making it difficult for international students to distinguish between the real and the fake. Meanwhile, when international students are studying abroad, their passports, visas, bank accounts and other information are closely related to their study life, making them easier targets for scammers. They often take advantage of the panic and anxiety of international students and make them fall into the scam unknowingly by means of intimidation and threats. The behavior of these scammers not only causes financial losses, but also brings mental trauma and security risks to international students. What can we do to prevent scams? 1. When faced with scams, we need to be alert at all times. We should not fall prey to the temptation of cheapness, convenience or pornography, and we should not be afraid of intimidation or unconfirmed things. 2. We need to protect our personal information and credit card information. We should not easily leave our phone numbers and addresses, and avoid entering personal information on websites we do not understand. Do not let your bank card out of sight when you go out to make purchases. If a credit card is found to have been stolen, contact the bank to freeze it and tell them that it has been stolen. 3. Keep in touch with your parents, communicate with them about scams abroad, and give them the contact information of your friends abroad, just in case. If you find a scam or hear that a family member has been scammed, immediately report the case to the police and contact the bank that opened the account to report my account and take appropriate measures such as stop payment and freezing. Internet scams not only cost students money, but also traumatize many new international students, making them a security risk. It is hoped that international students who have encountered online scams can step out of the psychological shadow; students who have not encountered online scams can take this as an example and be more alert to online scams.

By Nur Batrisya and Zubaida Binti Zulkifli  — 1 Dec 2023 The Main Library Road at Universiti Malaya has permanently closed to make way for the Student Plaza. — NUR BATRISYA / 1 DECEMBER 2023 UNIVERSITI MALAYA: In a recent development at the University of Malaya (UM), the decision to permanently close a major road on campus has sparked a range of opinions among students. The move, attributed to the university's administration, is aimed at providing students with more recreational spaces and transforming the campus into a walking-friendly environment. Muhammad Fathinudden bin Hamdi, an Executive Member of the International Relations and Strategic Study department, shed light on the decision-making process. The call to close the road came from the Vice Chancellor and the administration, with considerations for both short and long-term alternatives. Among these alternatives is the upcoming UM Sentral 2, set to be established possibly next year, though specific timelines remain uncertain. Fathinudden urges affected students to embrace public transport, especially during peak hours, to alleviate traffic congestion. However, not all students share the same sentiment. Two students, Loh Yong Lin (Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics) and Noriznah binti Rizal (Bachelor of Geography), expressed their dissatisfaction with the road closure. Loh believes it has worsened traffic jams, citing disruptions to usual transportation routes, such as the route from KK7 to the main library. Meanwhile, Noriznah emphasized the inconvenience caused by the closure of a main road leading to the library. Students also raised concerns about the impact on transportation and bus stops. Limited parking spaces and the relocation of bus stops have led to increased difficulties for students in commuting. Suggestions for improvement include adding more bus trips, keeping the main road open, and enhancing bus stop facilities, such as seating and shelters. In response to these concerns, students hope that university authorities will prioritize improvements in bus stop facilities and reconsider the decision to close the main road. As the debate continues, students look to find common ground between the university's vision for a pedestrian-friendly campus and the practical challenges faced by those affected by the road closure.

Image via @quackbyrubberduck/Instagram By Zubaida Binti Zulkifli  — 1 Dec 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: A fascinating new study and social hub has arisen in the midst of Plaza Damas, which is a great development for Sri Hartamas. Rubberduck Café has thrown open its doors, promising a haven for study and leisure, ideally situated just a 15-minute drive from the University of Malaya. The management stressed, "Rubberduck Café aims to be more than just a place to grab a coffee," when discussing the café's appeal to students. Our objective was for it to be a haven where students might discover the ideal harmony between work and play." The café's décor, which was designed with academics in mind and is filled with warm, natural light and provides a welcoming environment for concentrated study sessions. With free Wi-Fi available, students may work on group projects, do research, and complete assignments with ease in an environment that is very different from traditional classroom settings. Rubberduck Café offers a carefully selected range of treats to make sure students have the fuel they need. "We wanted to create a menu that caters to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of students," said the manager. The café offers everything from filling salads and substantial sandwiches to delicious baked goods and specialty coffees, covering all the basics and offering choices for quick snacks in between sessions or relaxing breaks. Rubberduck Café has also implemented an affordable pricing plan in recognition of the financial constraints that students frequently experience. The manager expressed their understanding of the financial strains faced by students and their desire for Rubberduck to serve high-quality food that doesn't break the budget. Rubberduck Café has developed into a social hub for students, going beyond just a place to study. "We've seen students from various universities and colleges coming together here," the manager said with joy. It has developed into a thriving venue for cross-disciplinary connections and networking." Students pursuing a variety of fields have been able to come up on the spur of the moment and share ideas thanks to the relaxed atmosphere of the café. The Rubberduck Café located in Plaza Damas is a great place for students looking for a friendly and accommodating environment. The café's welcoming atmosphere, varied cuisine, reasonable prices, and networking possibilities have allowed it to become an integral part of Sri Hartamas' student community. It's a community center where students may flourish both intellectually and socially, not merely a café.

By Nam Fon a/p Charun – 23 November 2023 One of the FESKUM events which participate by Zaba Residential College. Photo by Festival Konvokesyen Universiti Malaya - FESKUM Facebook Page. UNIVERSITI MALAYA: Get ready for a month filled with excitement and novel experiences, as the University of Malaya hosts its annual festival in line with the 63rd convocation ceremony. The University of Malaya Convocation Festival (FESKUM 2023), set to commence on November 4th and run until December 3rd, promises a lot of exciting activities for all. The event, organized by the Secretariat FESKUM 2023, is not just for UM students and graduates but extends an invitation to the general public and the local community. FESKUM 2023 took place in and around Universiti Malaya, and the month-long festival has been planned to engage all attendees with various activities. Festival-goers can participate in the exhilarating Feskum Bubble Run, Konvoi Roadshow, and the spine-chilling Haunted House, 'Di Manakah Sofea?' during the FESKUM. The Malaya E-Sport Arena 2023 will certainly be a highlight for esports enthusiasts. The festival also features cultural events such as the Perarakan Citrawarna, Malam Kebudayaan, and Bicara Alumni. In a dazzling display of culture and color, the Citrawarna parade is one of the FESKUM highlights that brought the concept of Malaysian states to life. Each participating college needed to walk with a flair that showed the unique heritage and traditions of the state that they chose. The Seventh Residential College represented Pulau Pinang, Student Plaza, Universiti Malaya. - Photo by Priyanut, Pemudahcara Mahasiswa Kolej Kediaman Zaba / NOVEMBER 2023 The creativity of the students shone through in the lively costumes and floats that painted a picture of Malaysian diversity. A standout feature was the flash mob team from each college, whose dynamic dances and movements added a layer of vibrant storytelling, giving the audience a glimpse into the heart of each state's identity. One of the students who joined the parade said, “The event not only celebrated the arts but also served as a reminder of the rich tapestry that makes up Malaysia, promoting cultural understanding and national unity.” The Citrawarna parade has once again affirmed the Feskum festival as a cornerstone event for honoring Malaysia's multifaceted communities. FESKUM 2023 is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of culture, passion, and community. So mark your calendars for this unforgettable event, whether you're a student, graduate, or a member of the public looking for a unique experience.

By Zhang Xinyue & Afrina Raihanah Binti Raimi Azli – 15 Dec 2023 The influx of AI worries Universiti Malaya students and lecturers despite its capability to revolutionize the education system. Photo by Freepik. UNIVERSITI MALAYA: Recently, the fast-paced advancement of ChatGPT technology has caused Universiti Malaya students to reflect on the potential hazards posed by AI. ChatGPT is renowned as your non-average chatbot, developed by OpenAI – popularized by its abilities to communicate in a humanlike manner and attend to various commands including but not limited to reformatting documents, answering common questions, translating text from the Malay language to English and vice versa. During interviews, some students expressed their concerns about the possible dangers and challenges that ChatGPT poses. Several students have brought up the fact that certain individuals have abused ChatGPT's features by using it for plagiarism and duplicating papers. This behaviour chronically undermines academic integrity and the credibility of degrees. A media studies major who likes to remain unknown says that "Some people use ChatGPT to save time by directly copying and pasting the content of others' papers into their own. This action does not only damage their academic reputation but also makes their degrees meaningless." The use of ChatGPT in academia goes beyond copying materials, it’s using a chatbot to write their own academic papers. Another media studies major, Lu Xintong, shared her thoughts on the potential dangers of AI, "Artificial Intelligence has brought a series of ethical and legal issues while increasing efficiency. We need tighter regulations and norms to prevent abuse and improper use of AI technology." Some students also expressed concerns about the overwhelming amount of information that ChatGPT could produce. A computer science major said, "The content generated by ChatGPT can be misleading, especially when it is used to spread false information or distort facts. This poses a threat to the justice and authenticity of our society." Meanwhile, some students are positive about the future of AI. They believe that with regulation and education, AI technology can bring more benefits to human society. They encourage academic institutions and the community to collaborate in developing clearer rules to guarantee the safe and responsible use of AI technology. According to the Head of the Department of AI at Universiti Malaya, Dr Aznul Qalid Md Sabri states that helping students learn how to use AI models like ChatGPT for research purposes is one of the Universiti Malaya Natural Language Processing (NLP) task force’s priorities. AI can be a powerful tool, but it should not replace an individual's ability to think and make judgments. Universiti Malaya students have varying opinions on AI technology, but this discussion has without a doubt triggered more extensive societal concerns. People have begun to contemplate seriously how to preserve academic and societal stability in the era of AI. This in question sparks a debate of which AI is most important, Artificial Intelligence or Academic Integrity?

By Afrina Raihanah Binti Raimi Azli – 02 Dec 2023 (From left to right) Selangor Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor’s Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah and Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) Director, Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad in the inauguration ceremony of Selangor International Book Fair 2023. Photo by BERNAMAPIX. SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, officially commemorates the return of the ten-day event, Selangor International Book Fair 2023 at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre on the 1st  of December. Also gracing the event was the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, accompanied by the Selangor Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) Director, Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad. Later on, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah presented eight appreciation plaques to the Selangor International Fellowship Programme representatives involving Australia, Turkiye, Philippines, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, South Korea, Nepal, and Malaysia. Following that, His Highness also handed over prizes to two recipients of the Yusof Gajah Illustration Award: Nur Fatiha Alina Helmy for the (13 – 17 years old) category and Lim Lay Koon in the under 18 category before visiting the convention’s booths. Dato’ Seri Amirudin in his speech said that this year’s Selangor International Book Fair has grown to 354 stalls for 255 exhibitors. These exhibitors include publishers, authors, and illustrators from Malaysia along with other participating nations like China, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. “This is because we see the event as a tourism platform that may enhance our nation’s tourism industry, especially in Selangor”, he continued. He further said that SIBF is not merely used as a platform to sell books, but rather a crucial and critical space where contributions and the sharing of ideas can take place whilst establishing a conducive environment for SMEs to display their merchants other than books to increase Malaysia’s economy. His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graciously visited the exhibition booths during the inauguration ceremony of the SIBF 2023 at the MBSA Convention Center, on December 1, 2023. Photo by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI. Literature Haven of University Malaya’s Students When it comes to book fairs, reduced and low-cost books and comics were the main focus of its visitors, particularly financially strained university students, who view this as a golden chance to acquire academic books and enriching novels for study and leisure. Beyond discounted books, visitors can anticipate with diverse spectrum of creative arts and events that push the boundaries of what constitutes a book fair. Another perk of the book fair is the exclusive experience of interacting with booksellers and authors directly to inculcate the reading culture. “Personally, I think book fairs like this are a goldmine for university students. I mean, just look at the lineup of workshops, seminars, and talks — motivational and inspirational, right? From what I can see, literary and media students from Universiti Malaya can use this opportunity to interview publishers and authors to gain professional insights into the inner workings of these industries.”, said Syafiq Aizat, the author of the popular sci-fi trilogy; Ajaib. The author of infamous sci-fi trilogies – Ajaib, Mr Syafiq Aizat during the Fixi Book Signing Event in SIBF 2023. Syafiq further said that university students should take the opportunity to engage with informational events like SIBF in the future and to savour their time when reading a book because that’s when you grasp its true essence. An undergraduate student from Universiti Malaya said, “I do wish someday, Universiti Malaya would take the initiative to collaborate with any book fair to hold our very own on the campus so that we can save money on transportation and academic books”. The SIBF spans 10 days, commencing on December 1st until December 10th, operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

By Intan Syadirah Abd Samad - 3 Dec 2023 UNIVERSITI MALAYA: A series of break-ins and sexual harassment cases had occurred at Za’ba Seventh Residential College. On 2 December 2023, a witness reported noticing a suspicious individual wearing a helmet lurking in the laundry area at 7.30 p.m. Another witness reported seeing the culprit directly staring at the female students’ underwear. “I was so afraid when I saw that, luckily I brought my phone and took photos of the sexual harassment.” Said the witness, on her way to collect her clothes after coming back from class. Numerous complaints and reports flooded in about the unrecognizable individual dressed as a ‘delivery guy’ sneaking upon the female students’ dormitories laundry suspension area. The residential college management is taking prompt action to ensure students’ safety and well-being. Therefore, as a precaution, all residents are asked to: Always be on alert and do not leave the room key outside. If any suspicious individuals are seen in the block area except college staff or cleaners wearing uniforms, students are asked to take pictures and contact college staff. Do not hang underwear outside for a while.

By Afrina Raihanah Raimi Azli & Intan Syadirah Abd Samad – 9 Nov 2023 UNIVERSITI MALAYA: The Universiti Malaya’s Residential College Elections Organization (JPRKKUM) unveiled its long-awaited results for the contested nomination on November 09, 2023, at the Auditorium of Kompleks Perdanasiswa, Universiti Malaya. The ceremony is marked by delays caused by unexpected challenges during the vote count. The ceremony is attended by distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Sabri Musa, UM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, joined by prominent university figures like Mr. Mohd Izzat Izzudin Hamdan, UM Assistant Registrar for Graduate Employability & Career Centre (GECC), and Mr Mohd Najwan Mohd Mayan, the President of JPRKKUM Session 2023/2024. Also gracing the events are lines of the Residential College Management team, the Secretariat,. and volunteers of JPRKKUM. Before the results announcement, the President of JPRKKUM stepped up and apologised to the audience for the one-hour delay caused by the uncertainty phase. He further noted the challenges in the counting process have stretched the anticipation for the official results announcement and closing ceremony of the Residential College Election Year 2023/2024. “On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Student Affairs Department for the opportunity given to serve as the President of JPRKKUM”, said Mohd Najwan. He stressed the importance of being elected by fellow students’ voices because changes can only be made and appreciated. Following the speech, he praised the resilience of the JPRKKUM Secretariat Team, vowing to spare the new team from the challenges they faced during their tenure. Mohd Najwan ended his speech with, “I urged the newly elected representatives to take your roles seriously, and keep the well-being of all students as your main priority.” The President of JPRKKUM announced that out of 19 contesting nominees, 16 were elected as representatives from Second Residential College (KK2) with Khe Jia Wei being in the lead with 317 votes, and for Fourth Residential College (KK4), 16 nominees were elected with Anis Nadhirah Binti Ahmad Nizam being in the lead with 307 votes. Official Results of the Universiti Malaya Residential College Election session 2023/2024. - @jprkkum official Instagram page. Prof. Dr. Sabri Musa, UM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, formally wraps up the ceremony with a reminder that this election represents not just a democratic process but a platform for student empowerment. Dr Sabri Musa further notes his gratitude for successfully conducting the elections despite post-Covid challenges. He further assured readiness for future terms, promising an improved online voting system. “Let’s say if the next term election is still using the physical ballots, with pen and paper, the voting process might spill into the following day”.

By Nur Batrisya — 3 Nov 2023 The Residential College Election Organization (JPRKKUM)'s first-ever election process at Kolej Kediaman Pertama (KK1), Universiti Malaya. — JPRKKUM via Instagram / 3 NOVEMBER 2023 UNIVERSITI MALAYA: The Residential College Election Organization (JPRKKUM) kicked off its first-ever election process with a nomination day this morning and there were 111 candidate nomination papers received by JPRKKUM. In a landmark moment for Universiti Malaya, the Residential College Organization was established to elect student representatives for the formation of the Residential College Committee, Universiti Malaya. The nomination process was held at Dewan Tun Perak, Kolej Kediaman Pertama (KK1), from 9.00 am until 11.00 am. “A total of 75 candidates from KK1, KK3, KK6, KK7, KK8, KK9, KK10 and KK12 secured their seats without facing opposition in the Universiti Malaya Residential College Elections session 2023/2024,” said JPRKKUM on their official Instagram account (@jprkkum). JPRKKUM also added that 36 eligible candidates, including 19 from KK1 and 17 from KK4, are set to contest in the upcoming election. In an interview with one of the candidates, Busyra Balya stated the nomination process was fast and systematic even though it was JPRKKUM’s first nomination day. “The process of nomination is quite fast and systematic. The documents necessary are quite a lot but it's all documents that you should have by hand,” said Busyra. In addition, Busyra is motivated to run for the election, aiming to enhance her college's project processes and contribute to elevating it to excellence. “I am inspired to run for the election because I am interested in improving the quality of my college's project process and I see chances to make my college an excellent college so that is why technically I am running for the election this session,” said Busyra. Busyra also added that she, with a focus on academics, aims to upgrade the CUBE room, creating a conducive space for student discussions and studying. JPRKKUM has set Nov 9 as polling day and Nov 8 as early voting day.

By Nur Batrisya — 4 Nov 2023 749 participants took part in the Feskum Bubble Run 2023 at Universiti Malaya. — NUR BATRISYA / 4 NOVEMBER 2023 UNIVERSITI MALAYA: The latest FESKUM’s annual run has attracted 749 participants to participate in a healthy lifestyle activity on a Saturday morning. According to Huseyin Kilicman, FESKUM’s Vice Executive of Program and Activity, FESKUM has hosted a variety of runs, each with its own unique theme every year. However, this year, they are breaking new ground by introducing the exciting 'Bubble Run' as their latest theme, offering participants an experience unlike any they have ever had before. The 6km bubble run theme aimed to promote having a healthy lifestyle among Universiti Malaya students, lecturers and staff. ASTAR Dance Squad, First Residential College’s dance team conducted a Zumba workout session before the run started. Participants reveled in the lively and fun atmosphere, fueled by the upbeat music and the enthusiastic instructors. FESKUM's Program Advisor, Abdul Malik Anwar and Program Director, Muhammad Nazri bin Azmi, flagged the run-off, using toy water guns. Yu Jia Ying, a first-year electrical engineering student, said: “It was a fun experience as I can socialize with my friends and get to know other students at this healthy event.” As for Noor Nabil, the run was an enjoyable experience. “I found immense enjoyment throughout the entirety of the run. What set this particular event apart from others I've participated in was the unique Bubble Run experience, with bubbles enveloping every checkpoint along the way,” said Noor Nabil. The fun did not stop after crossing the finishing line, as the runners were delighted in playing bubbles with foam bogs and participating in a photoshoot session with event coordinators. Participants and Feskum Bubble Run organizers cheers during the photoshoot session. — NUR BATRISYA / 4 NOVEMBER 2023