FIAT and Yala Rajabhat University (YRU) Partnership BY: DR. RAJA ILI AIRINA BINTI RAJA KHALIF

On March 13, 2017, Yala Rajabhat University (BYRU), Thailand made an official visit to Fakuti Agro-based Industry, UMK, Jeli Campus. The delegation of 5 people headed by Dean of the Faculty of Science Technology and Agricultural, Prof. Dr. AbdulNaser Hajisamoh. The objective of this visit is to discuss future programs and colaborations between YRU and FIAT after the MOU signing on October 22, 2015. The event started with a welcoming speech and introduction to UMK in general and in particular FIAT from Dean of FIAT, Dr. Fatimah binti Kayat. The event continued with the presentation from the Dean YRU on Faculty of Science Technology and Agricultural and the researches and the products produced by YRU. Dr. Lilla AbdulYasas, Deputy Dean Academic later presents the activities that have been and are taking place with the Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia (USY). She suggested that FIAT and YRU should initiate activities and collaborations together after this visit.

Next, FIAT academics and YRU and delegates are then divided into 2 groups according to expertise; food technology and agriculture. Members briefly introduce themselves and later in-depth discussions on the issue of student mobility, teaching staff mobility, student exchange and research

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DREAMCHASER COMPANY

SEMINAR HALATUJU GRADUAN JAMINAN

MAKANAN UMK DAN CABARAN

2017 WITH COOPERATION

NUFAEL CONSULTANT (M) SDN. BHD.

MyFIAT Bulletion Editorial Board:

Dr. Liew Jeng Young Cik Norhazira Sidek Dr. Nurul Syaza Abdul Latif

FIAT-YRU COLLABORATION

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP AND COLLABORATIE

DISCUSSIONS

1ANIMAL BREEDING

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP

5INVASIVE ALIEN

SPECIES MEETING

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Volume 7, Issue 1

myFIATThe official newsletter for the Faculty of Agro-based Industry

collaboration took place. Among the proposed discussion is the mobility of teaching staff in the field of Soil Science between Dr. Ch'ng Huck Ywih and Assoc Prof Dr Issariyaporn Damrongrak. Dean YRU also invited UMK student and staff to participate in a 10 days program with YRU, an annual activities that have been and are being conducted with USY. After the discussion, delegates were taken to Agropark accompanied by Mr. Sa'Arani Zain bin Mhd. Delegates were also showed around campus such as laboratory research, postgraduate room and the library. The last event before lunch was a photo session with delegates and gift exchange session.

We hope that this visit would start a bilateral relations between FIAT and YRU for student mobility, teaching staff mobility, student exchange, and research collaboration. We are honoured to receive this visit and plan to visit YRU in the near future.

POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH PRINCESS NARADHIWAS UNIVERSITY (PNU)

BY: DR. RAJA ILI AIRINA BINTI RAJA KHALIF

On 22 and 23 March 2017, delegation from Faculty Agro-based Industry, Jeli Campus, UMK joined the 'Agriculture Contest of 3 Southernmonst Universities Network' in Yala Rajabhat University (YRU), Thailand. Three universities participating in this program is the Princess Naradhiwas University (PNU), Yala Rajabhat University (YRU) and Prince of Songkhla University (PSU). UMK delegation was represented by Dr. Raja Ili Airina binti Raja Khalif, Senior Lecturer of Animal Husbandry Program. The objective of this program is to build a network of world-class teaching and research universities.

The event started with a welcome speech and opening ceremony of the Governor of Pattani, Wiranant Janpeng. The event commenced with various competitions s u c h a s a q u a r i u m d e c o r a t i o n s , t o o l s i n n o v a t i o n f o r agriculture and cattle

tether between students of PNU, YRU and PSU. Other than that, students also have the opportunity to present their final year project in the poster presentation that lasts all day.

After that, the delegation visits Yala Rajabhat University led by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. AbdulNaser Hajisamoh. UMK delegation were also brought to the Department of Health Sciences and had the chance to try traditional foot massage by professional masseur recognised by YRU. Spa and massage services conducted by the faculty is a part of the income generation to the university.

The highlight of the event was the entertaining cultural performances by YRU, PNU and PSU students during dinner. Dr Raja Ili was requested to give a speech on behalf of FIAT, UMK. She thanked the organiser for the invitation to participate in this program. She also hope that more programs such as mobility of staff and students between these 3 universities in Thailand continue in the future.

The next day, March 24, discussions were held among representatives of PNU, YRU and PSU. Among the proposed discussion was staff mobility from UMK in Reproductive Animal Program to PNU for 2 weeks. Other than that, UMK student mobility (2 students from final year project) will also be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Jakkhaphan Pitchayapipatkul of PNU. Other collaborations were also finalized. The closing ceremony took place before lunch. The organisers were pleased to receive a visit from UMK and hope that UMK will be joining next year in PNU.

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EDUCATION & CAREER FAIR IN PENANG BY: DR. CH’NG HUCK YWIH

A two days (16 – 17th March 2017) Education and Career Fair of Seberang Perai District was held in Politeknik Seberang Perai, Penang. Dr. Ch’ng Huck Ywih and Dr. Tan Sze Huey were two representative from FIAT that were involved in the Education and Career Fair. The fair was aimed at exposing, guiding, and promoting the university programs offered by FIAT to the students. Besides, UMK is also taking the opportunity to promote Program Asasi Sains UMK-MARA specially offered to secondary school Fifth Form (Form 5) students. This program is a collaborative program between UMK and Kolej MARA Kulim. The main objective of this program is to build the students’ foundation on Science and Entrepreneurship to prepare them to science-based undergraduate programmes offered by UMK. Students who have successfully

completed this foundation program will be enrolled straightaway into any one of science-based undergraduate programmes or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme offered by UMK. FIAT promotion video was also broadcasted in order to allow visitors to have a clearer picture of the university campus. During the last day of the fair, Dr. Ch’ng and Dr. Tan handed a souvenir to a special invited guest, Datuk Mohd Zaidi Bin Mohd Said, as a token of appreciation.

MYFIAT JULY 5, 2017

SEMINAR HALATUJU GRADUAN JAMINAN MAKANAN UMK DAN CABARAN 2017 WITH COOPERATION NUFAEL CONSULTANT (M) SDN. BHD.

BY: DR. MARYANA MOHAMAD NOR & MS. HANNIS MOHD ASRI

A seminar for food security students was held at UMK Jeli Campus to expose the job opportunities and the challenges they might face in the real world.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lukman Ismail, as the Head of Programme, Food Security and Dr. Maryana Binti Mohamad Nor as the Programme Director of the Seminar, made the event into a reality. In association with Nufael Consultants (M) Sdn. Bhd, this company have been established since 2015 and located in Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

The seminar starts with an inspiring speech from Mr Norisham Baharin about innovat ion and people’s mindset and explains the steps that students in food industries can take in action for our future food sustenance in our country. Mr. Mohd. Faidzal Bin Zainal, the second speaker, owns a successful and well-

known café named Ejohng Concept in Skudai, Johor. He talked about his recipes of

success, he also give tips and advices on how to start a business and why he chose to be a food entrepreneur in the first place. He shared his 26 years’ worth of experience, all the hardships that he faced and the challenges he overcame to get to where he is now. It is truly full of motivation story. Mr Mohd Faidzal also

shares his company’s success story by demonstrating his mind-blowing innovative product, ‘wonderful spice’. He demonstrated a better and easier way to cook by using this product. His magic principle that ‘Everybody Can Cook’, he proved that cooking is now much simpler and easier by using his latest innovation during his demonstration. He also gave the students opportunities to cook using his ‘wonderful spice’ product and gave the students performed sensory test.

T h e f o u r t h s p e a k e r , M r . M a s d i H a z l i Adnan, continues the program with his powerful talk titled ‘Boss! Hire Me - Resume’. T h e s e m i n a r ended by a talk o n “ G o o d Manufactur ing Practice” (GMP), “Hazard Analysis A n d C r i t i c a l Con t ro l Po in t (HACCP), “Garis Panduan Skim

P e r s i j i l a n M a k a n a n S e l a m a t T a n g g u n g j a w a b Industri” (MeSTI) from Mr. Khairul Shazwie Mohd Zahir,

officer from Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.

At the end of the day, the students are well-equipped with useful information that is practical for the future when we graduate. The program prepare the students with a valuable knowledges and full of confidents level when facing with the real situation after graduation.

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MYFIAT JULY 5, 2017

INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT AND AWARENESS ACT, 605 WORKSHOP

BY: DR. LIEW JENG YOUNG

A workshop entitled “Integrity Management and Awareness Act, 605” was held at the Bilik Banquet, UMK Jeli Campus on the 30th March 2017. The objectives of the workshop are to (i) increase knowledge and understanding on the concepts of integrity, accountability and governance in the public service; (ii) enhance knowledge and understanding on the National Integrity Plan (PIN); and (iii) cultivate PIN in the organization and community. Over twenty participants attended the workshop were made up of academic and non-academic staff of UMK. Dr. Liew Jeng Young, Ahmad Saufi Bin Mohd Nawi, Madam Syamsurianey Binti Samsudin, to name but a few were the participants from FIAT who had attended the workshop. The program was filled with talks by Madam Nor Atekah Binti Ismail, an experienced assistant registrar from the office of Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate Development & Quality Management). Besides explaining the fundamental concepts, a lot was emphasized on the integrity issues and challenges faced by the country over the years. Corruption, misappropriation, abuse of power are

some of the critical integrity issues that need to be addressed in no time. Light refreshment were served to the participants during the 20 minutes break. Q&A session took place shortly after Madam Nor Atekah’s talks ended. Questions started poured in and most of the burning questions posed by the participants were answered by the speaker during the 30 minutes Q&A session.

Mr. Norisham and Mr. Faidzal demonstrating the dish

Food Security students, FIAT lecturers and the staffs of Nufael Consultants (M) Sdn. Bhd.

JOINT COLLABORATION BETWEEN FIAT AND SMK KOTA FOR PRODUCT

IMPROVEMENT: GRASS JELLY DRINK

BY: DR. MARYANA MOHAMAD NOR & DR. LIEW JENG YOUNG

In year 2017, one of the significant achievements for UMK is the establishment of joint collaboration between FIAT and SMK Kota, Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bahru, Kelantan (SMK Kota is used henceforth). The first official meeting was held on 14th March 2017 at the FIAT Meeting Room. Six FIAT representatives, Associate Prof. Dr. Lukman Bin Ismail, Dr. Maryana Binti Mohamad Nor, Dr. Siti Nuurul Huda Binti Mohamad Azamin, Dr. Liew Jeng Young, Ms. Raimi Binti Ridwan, and Dr. Nur Anis Afifah Binti Arzami attended the meeting. Staff of the SMK Kota attending were Mr. Mohd.Rosli bin Salleh (Coordinator of MPV food processing, SMK Kota) and Tuan Haji Suhaimi (Treasurer, Koperasi SMK Kota). The outcome of the meeting was magnificent. Both SMK Kota representatives agreed to appoint FIAT as their consultant in helping them to improve the quality and lifespan of their grass jelly drink. To wit, FIAT will conduct further research to elevate the quality of the grass jelly in terms of texture, colour, density and formulation. Dr Nur Anis Afifah and Ms. Raimi are two FIAT lecturers who have been entrusted with the task of solving the quality of the grass jelly. FIAT will also work closely with the SMK Kota to commercialize the grass jelly drink for not only Kelantan state but also the whole Malaysia. Visiting the grass jelly factory to determine whether the factory specification conforms to the standard will be the FIAT’s upcoming agenda. The visit also aims to ensure

that the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) element is being applied to the building. SMK Kota will fix the FIAT’s factory visiting date shortly. Meanwhile, SMK Kota wi l l d i scuss wi th the ANGKASA and SURUHANJAYA KOPERASI MALAYSIA to hold the next meeting with FIAT in the near future. This joint collaboration generates prodigious impact to UMK. It can bridge the gap between the UMK academicians and local communities and thus accentuating UMK as an institution of higher learning that provides excellent research innovations and quality consultation services.

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FIAT BULLETIN JULY 5, 2017

SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION TOOLS WORKSHOP

BY: NURUL AZWA MOHAMED KHADRI & DR. NORHAFIZAH MD ZAIN

On 2nd May 2017, Mr. Mohammad Amizi Bin Ayob, Senior Lecturer of FIAT has taking the time to give a talk regarding assessment and evaluation tools that used in Social Science study to the students of FIAT. Social Science workshop is one of the workshops planned under the FIAT FYP Committee. This plan aims to encourage students as active contributors to the production of social study knowledge.

This workshop also was attended by academicians who hoping to learn more about the intricacies of their research especially in social study. Mr. Mohammad Amizi gave great tips on how to write thrilling and engaging pieces, with an exercise on writing first lines and how to keep a final year research proposal or thesis look interesting. He also asked students what they were interested in writing about, the kind of work they had done so far, and giving them advice on those various different areas of social science research. The talk was followed by a question and answer session as well as knowledge and experience sharing from the lecturers and students in the various areas. The workshop and talk were a great success and were hugely enjoyed by students.

A N I M A L B R E E D I N G T E C H N O L O G Y WORKSHOP

BY: DR. RAJA ILI AIRINA BINTI RAJA KHALIF

Animal Breeding Technology Workshop was held for students from Husbandry Science program year 2. The workshop is also open to the public because there is high demand in exploring the technology in animal breeding. Workshop fee is only RM15 for one session. Certificate and lunch were included.

The workshop was divided into two sessions, which took place on 28 March 2017 and 11 April 2017. The first session covered the topics of Estrus and CIDR by Dr. Khairiyah bin Mat and animal nutrition by Pn. Nor Dini Rusli. Session 2 explained the methods of collecting semen, led by Dr. Mijanur. Artificial Insemination techniques were explained and demonstrated by DVS Department officers. Participants and students also have the opportunity to have hands-on during the workshop.

The main objective of the workshop was to provide exposure on different animal breeding technology is often practiced by farmers worldwide. This workshop achieved it’s objective because students and workshop participants successfully practiced hands-on on some techniques and have and a better understanding of the technology.

T h e r e w e r e a b o u t 2 0 p a r t i c i p a n t s c o n s i s t i n g o f f a r m e r s a t t e n d e d t h e w o r k s h o p . F e e d b a c k received from the participants w a s v e r y e n c o u r a g i n g . F r o m t h e

feedback forms, participants graded good and very good on the entire workshop and will introduce the workshop to their contact.

The organisers plan to hold a workshop in the future due to the overwhelming response from the farmers. We hope this workshop will be improved with the collaboration of veterinary surgeon and entrepreneur in the field of animal husbandry.

“ONLINE MARKETING AND ITS USER MANUAL” COURSE

BY: DR. LIEW JENG YOUNG

A one-day “Online Marketing and its User Manual” course for the Entrepreneurship @ FIAT_UNiSME Program Module Series was held on the 19th April 2017. The course, conducted at the Computer Lab 1, UMK Jeli Campus, ran from 0930 to 1700. The FIAT Entrepreneurial lecturers, Madam Fadhilahanim, Madam Tengku Halimatun, and Miss Nurul Azwa, in collaboration with the Malaysian Development Cooperation (MDEC) had organized this one-day entrepreneurial course. A professional speaker, Miss Nurul Haffiza Binti Mohamed Razani was invited to facilitate the course. Of note, Miss Nurul Haffiza is a certified eusahawan Trainer from MDEC. The admission fee for the course was RM15 per person including lunch. UMK academic and non-academic staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students were the target participants of this course. The course had received great response from the UMK residents. The participants were taught on the concept of todays E-business around the world. The groups were also given the opportunity to practice several effective approaches used in the world of E-business. Facebook for Business, Instagram for Business, WhatAspp Marketing, to mention a few, were some of the methods discussed in the course. Besides explaining on the matter related to the business ethics, the participants were also exposed to how to handle the issue of copywriting. The merit gained from the course was significant as it exposed UMK residents on the topic of “Online Marketing”, one of the key factors that help one to become a successful entrepreneur. Before the course ended, Dr. Liew Jeng Young, one of the participants awarded the speaker a souvenir, as a token of appreciation.

Students and academic staffs attended the online marketing course

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FIAT BULLETIN JULY 5, 2017

DREAMCHASER - STUDENT COMPANY

BY: DR. LIEW JENG YOUNG & DR. NWE NWE HTIN

A student company named Dreamchaser was established in UMK Jeli Campus. Dreamchaser consists of six young and energetic members from current year-three SBH students. Heng Chui Ling is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the company. The remaining five members are Lee Rui Yin, Ong Fei Fun, Tan Bee Chin, Tea Siew Tinn, and Teoh Xiu Pei. Raising and providing high quality broilers to customer is the core business of Dreamchaser. According to Heng, her intense interest in livestock; particularly on poultry farming prompted her to establish Dreamchaser. Two academic staff, Dr. Nwe Nwe Htin and Dr. Liew Jeng Young were appointed as the advisors of Dreamchaser.

A local renowned poultry supplier, namely the CP Company, sponsored UMK 1000 newly hatched broilers and the birds were delivered to UMK on 19 April 2017. Out of 1000 broilers, 250 broilers belonged to Dreamchaser while the remainder was meant for the students’ teaching and learning purposes. Dreamchaser officially started its operation upon receiving its first batch of 250 broilers. It is undeniable that raising healthy livestock of any type for profit or as a source of food for family calls for some attentions to planning and detail, and broilers are no exception. Upon arrival, all 1000 baby broilers were housed in a designated broiler house at the new agropark to facilitate the care work. [Care of broiler chicks (brooding management) from day old to day 14 has been conducted for 1000 broiler chicks together. The students from Dreamchaser Company dedicated for brooding management together with staff from Agropark and SBH students].

All Dreamchaser members showed high dedication and devotion while in their positions. Besides cleaning the

saw dust bedding at a regular basis, they gave the broilers a balanced ration and refilled the water drinkers with clean water twice daily to help the broilers to thrive. Having the birds vaccinated against typical poultry disease is an essential measure for broiler rearing. Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) vaccination were performed on day 7 whereas Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccination was done on day 14. To complete the vaccination cycle, booster dose of ND and IB, and IBD vaccines were given to the broilers on day 21 and day 28, respectively. It was worthy to highlight that all vaccination procedures were completed successfully under the guidance of Dr. Nwe and Dr. Liew.

Dreamchaser t ransferred i ts 250 bro i lers to another broiler house located at the old agropork on day 18 in order to provide enough floor space for the fast growing broiler chickens. The balance of over 700 birds after deducting the cases of mortality was remained at the existing broiler house under the care of other SBH students under the supervision of Dr. Hasnita. The broiler house was cleaned and disinfected thoroughly before the broilers were moved into the new house. To maintain the broiler house as bio-secure as possible, unauthorised visitors were not allowed to go into the broiler house. The broilers were ready to be processed and sold to customers after 7 weeks of rearing. Throughout the course of broiler rearing, valuable suggestions and useful guidelines were given by both advisors in order to ensure the broilers stay healthy. Of note, Dreamchaser is now planning for the next cycle of broiler rearing.

All – in all – out system will be practiced for broiler rearing by Dreamchaser Company. This exposure and opportunity can be a rewarding and educational experience, particularly to SBH students. Mr. Amizi’s great effort in striving for the CP company's chick sponsorship deserves high credit from UMK. Furthermore, high compliments must be given to Cik Lili and everyone who had directly or indirectly contributed to the broiler rearing activities in UMK.

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FIAT BULLETIN JULY 5, 2017

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FIAT SPECIAL MEETING: FAREWELL AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BY: DR. LIEW JENG YOUNG

On the 9th April 2017, a special meeting was organized by FIAT. The meeting took place in Bilik Kuliah 9, UMK Jeli Campus. The seats were arranged in U-shape prior to the commencement of the meeting in order to befitting the occasion. The rate of attendance was overwhelming. Most of the FIAT academic staff and administrative staff had joined the meeting. The objectives of the meeting were to bid farewell to

(i) Dr. Kassim (SBL programme) who had ended his service from UMK since February 2017 due to his retirement,

(ii) Miss Syafiqa who had completed her Industrial Training at FIAT office,

(iii) Dr. Ainihayati, Dr. Hasyiya Karimah, Dr. Mardawani, Dr. Rosmawani, Dr. Siti Roshayu, Dr. Wee Seng Kew and Dr. Wong Yee Ching who had transferred to a newly formed faculty, namely Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology (FBKT),

(iv) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seri Intan, Dr. Pasupuleti Visweswara Rao, Datuk Dr. Beatrice and Madam Nur Athirah Binti Mat Yusoff who had moved to the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (IFFSA) lately,

(v) Madam Hilmoon and Mr. Mohd Salbaharin, who both had shifted to the Administration Office of Jeli Campus in line with the implementation of UMK’s centralized workforce management program.

It is worthy to highlight here that Dr. Hasyiya Karimah has just received her doctoral degree from the Osaka University, Japan.

Besides farewell ceremony, the meeting served as a birthday celebration party for those staff whose dates of birth are fallen in the months of January to March.

The program started with the speech by the Dean of FIAT, Dr. Fatimah. She delivered her speech in English and Malay languages. She advised those who were leaving to keep up the name and prestige of FIAT. She also wished them a brilliant success, not only in UMK but also in actual life. Not forgetting, Dr. Fatimah congratulated Dr. Wee for his success in competing all the criteria prescribed by the Malaysian Biosafety and Biosecurity Association (MBBA). Dr. Fatimah wrapped up her speech by encouraging more FIAT staff to participate in the Malaysian Advanced Biosafety Training Program (MABOT). This is to promote and strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in UMK. Shortly after Dr. Fatimah concluded her speech, Dr. Wong expressed THANK YOU from the bottom of his hearts for the great experiences and opportunities the FIAT gave him in allowing him to improve his career life. He also conveyed his eagerness to work again with FIAT in the future. The event continued with the birthday celebration. Birthday song were sung before burst of birthday wishes were given. Then came the birthday cake cutting session.

Finally, Dr. Fatimah handed souvenirs to all of the staff who were leaving FIAT, as a gesture of gratitude for their valuable and countless contributions. At the same time, refreshment were served to attendees. It included mouth-watering, tasty dishes and drinks. A joint photograph was held before the celebration session ended at 1230. Everyone left with a sense of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.

Compliments must go to FIAT member for holding such a pleasant and unforgettable event!

FIAT BULLETIN JULY 5, 2017

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (IAS) MEETING

BY: PROF. DR. REZAUL KARIM

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are the species of plants, animals, micro-organisms etc. which are newly introduced to the natural environment of a country, with serious negative consequences for their new environment and causing or might cause remarkable loss to ecosystem, socio-economy and public health. A good number of IAS species are introduced in Malaysia and the Department of

Agriculture Malaysia is responsible for their management. With this background a meeting was called by the Director General of Department of Agriculture on 11 May 2017 at WISMA TANI, Putrajaya in which 26 organizations including Universities, Research institutes, Department of customs, Department of veterinary, Department of environment, Department of fisheries, Department of wildlife, Department of marine, etc. who are directly or indirectly related to this IAS in Malaysia were involved. Parthenium weed is one of the important IAS and the concerned authority is too much worried about its sustainable management.

As the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (especially the Faculty of Agro Based Industry (FIAT) is the pioneer of parthenium research in Malaysia, the Dean of F IAT was inv i ted to a t tend or send the representative in the meeting. As per nomination of the Dean, Prof. Dr. S. M. Rezaul Karim attended the meeting. In the meeting a few presentations were made by some members of IAS Committee focusing on present status and management options of IAS in Malaysia. A long presentation was made by Pn. Juli Lamdin, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, Sabah on invasion of Salvinia molesta in which she has discussed the early introduction, its spread in the state, control measures adopted and the present status of management. Prof. R. Karim

has discussed the progress of research, publication made and community services done by the members of Parthenium Weed Research Group of FIAT, UMK. He has informed in the meeting that the researchers of UMK made 16 FYP research, completed one FRGS research project, delivered three public lectures for awareness creation, given one training course to 61 trainees on risk assessment of parthenium weed, drafted one research monograph of 360 pages and published eight scientific articles on parthenium problems and management in Malaysia. He has also mentioned that one master and one PhD students are doing their research on parthenium issue at UMK. The chairman of the meeting, Y. Bhg. Dato Ahmad Zakaria Bin Mohd. Sidek, has appreciated the activities done so far by the UMK researchers on parthenium problems.

In the morning session, there was also a seminar on legal and policy matter on IAS in Malaysia where eight papers were presented on different issues of IAS in the country. The chair personof the seminar Y. Bhg. Datuk Jabar Shaik Mohideen, Deputy Director General, Department of Agriculture has given his conclusory talk at the end of the seminar.

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FIAT BULLETIN MAY 22, 2017