Events Calendar
Kota Samarahan, 22 August 2019: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) hosted the International University Carnival on E-Learning (IUCEL) from 21 to 22 August 2019, which was regarded as the biggest ever edition of the carnival since its introduction in 2015. About 190 innovation, inventions and products on e-Learning was on show during the two-day event participated by institutions, companies and schools across Malaysia and the region. IUCEL 2019 was jointly organised by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, The Council of Malaysian Public Higher Education Institution e-Learning Coordinators (MEIPTA) and Malaysia Centre for E-Learning (MyCEL). It is an annual event that acts as a platform to promote, explore, and share best practices and global expertise in e-Learning applications at all levels of learning institutions from all over the world. This year's theme "Inspiring Innovations for Sustainable Futures" signifies the call for future-proof practices and innovations that are impactful to the community at large. Apart from innovation and invention competition sponsored by OpenLearning Global, the event also covered other activities for teachers and schools. The E-Teacher competition is specifically geared towards innovations done by teachers in Malaysia while STEAM@Schools focused on student-led projects in the subejcts of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. In his closing speech, YBhg Prof Dr Mohd Cairul Iqbal Bin Mohd Amin, Deputy Director General of Higher Education, mentioned that the organisation of IUCEL shows the ministry’s continuous commitment in supporting Goal 4 of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is Quality Eduation. He reiterated that the rise of new ways, new paradigms and new tools in education is inevitable in the 4th Industrial Revolution and e-Learning is surely a catalyst in shaping the nation’s future workforce. UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, YBhg Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, on the other hand, stated that IUCEL2019 is timely to be held at UNIMAS as this year the university has set “Nurturing future graduates” as our main agenda. Through this initiative, it has made
“Strengthening Teaching Excellence, Enhancing Student Experience” as the top priority. In 2019, UNIMAS has made a significant leap in its e-learning ecosystem to ensure its graduates are future-proof and adaptive to various changes. From the increase in blended courses to the growing number of MOOCs offered via our strategic partner OpenLearning Global, it is safe to say that UNIMAS is among the top institutions in the region in spearheading the much-needed shift in both skillsets and mindsets of the 21st century workforce. At the closing ceremony, YBhg Prof Dr Mohd Cairul Iqbal Bin Mohd Amin, also presented medals to winners of innovation competition, and awards to e-Learning practitioners in ten categories including two awards for Primary and Secondary Schools. It is hoped that the event can inspire more innovations in the area of e-Learning particularly in enhancing teaching and learning quality in Malaysian educational settings.
