KEDAH IHE VIRTUAL EXPO INTRODUCES ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES FOUND IN KEDAH'S VARIOUS IHE

UUM ONLINE: For the first time, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is organising the Kedah IPT Virtual Expo 2021, aptly themed "Let's Learn in Kedah", which is held virtually in its entirety for a week from 10 to 16 October.

Dato' Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail, Chairman of the Kedah State Committee on Industry and Investment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education, recently officiated the launch of the Kedah IPT Virtual Expo 2021 via UUM Facebook Live, Kedah Gazette, and Kedah State Government.

He stated in his address that the virtual exhibition had ushered in a new era in the field of higher education in Kedah by successfully connecting numerous institutions, agencies, and companies in accordance with new norms.

"Initially, the expo was supposed to take place physically, but in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, it was transformed into a virtual reality experience using cutting-edge technology.

"This virtual exhibition was also hosted for the first time in Kedah, with the participation of 21 parties from public and private institutions of higher learning in Kedah, state and federal government agencies, and industries that contribute to the growth of the state of Kedah," he added.

According to him, he anticipated that the expo's organising would benefit everyone by assisting in the formation of clever, knowledgeable, and ethical people who would become the country's leaders and successors.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) who is performing the duties of Vice-Chancellor, stated in his welcome address that the primary objective of the Kedah IHE Virtual Expo 2021 was to galvanise the cooperation of all public and private institutions of higher learning in Kedah, state and central government agencies, and industry in promoting the academic programmes offered by each institution.

According to him, the exhibition was hosted remotely to ensure that parents and candidates could continue to make the best choices possible without risking their health during the COVID-19 pandemic and without having to face or physically attend the expo site as was customary prior to the pandemic.

"Although the exhibition is virtual, each visitor has the option to visit each institution's exhibition site and interact with representatives from each institution to learn about study opportunities.

"Live chat sessions and webinars were also held to enable more information to be shared, especially those related to a particular field of study, opportunities for industrial training and career prospects," he said.

Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman expressed confidence that all institutions participating in the expo exhibition will be able to attract prospective applicants due to their strengths and niche areas.

Additionally, he hoped that all parties involved in this virtual expo would fully capitalise on the chance to promote their respective institutions.

The Marketing Division of UUM has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting Kedah's largest virtual programme, which allows all visitors to virtually access the exhibition booth, as well as connect with exhibitors via the application 'live chat' in addition to following the webinar slots provided.