{"id":470,"date":"2026-10-07T07:33:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T07:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/?p=470"},"modified":"2026-10-09T02:27:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T02:27:55","slug":"fkm-rdci-town-hall-2026-shaping-the-future-of-research-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/2026\/10\/07\/fkm-rdci-town-hall-2026-shaping-the-future-of-research-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"FKM RDCI TOWN HALL 2026 Shaping the Future of Research Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;671.7px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-9px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;624.5px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-39px|auto||auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Written by Nuratiqah Imani binti Noordin<br \/><\/span><\/em><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><em>Edited by Ts. ChM. Dr. Nor Suriani San<\/em>i<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/rdci-1.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;rdci 1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;305.9px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||3px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-justify\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px\">How can FKM build a stronger, more collaborative and globally visible research ecosystem? That question took centre stage at the FKM RDCI Town Hall 2026, held on 6 May 2026, bringing the faculty community together to shape the next chapter of research, development, commercialization and innovation (RDCI).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Zaini bin Ahmad, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, officiated the programme. His presence reinforced the importance of collective leadership and faculty-wide participation in strengthening FKM\u2019s research performance and future direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Aligned with UTM ASCEND 2030 and MyRA, the Town Hall provided an important platform for academic staff, researchers and technical personnel to understand FKM\u2019s research priorities, exchange perspectives and explore how individual and collective efforts can contribute to greater institutional impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">A major highlight was the presentation of the faculty\u2019s new Research Group (RG) structure and research niches. The initiative aims to strengthen research focus, encourage greater collaboration across expertise and position FKM\u2019s research groups to respond more effectively to emerging engineering challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Participants were also introduced to the \u201c5 Big Things RDCI 2030\u201d, a set of strategic initiatives designed to drive FKM towards higher-impact research, stronger innovation outcomes, wider collaboration and greater visibility. Discussions extended beyond research outputs to the future development of research infrastructure, laboratories and the wider innovation ecosystem, recognising that world-class research requires both strong talent and an enabling environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Adding an interactive dimension to the programme, a poster exhibition and engagement sessions gave participants the opportunity to explore ongoing initiatives, exchange ideas and provide feedback. Rather than functioning as a one-way strategic briefing, the Town Hall created space for the FKM community to contribute directly to the faculty\u2019s research agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">The key message was clear: research excellence is a shared responsibility. Every academic, researcher and technical team member has a role in strengthening the quality, relevance and impact of FKM\u2019s work \u2014 from producing meaningful research and developing new technologies to building partnerships with industry, society and international collaborators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Through the FKM RDCI Town Hall 2026, the faculty reaffirmed its commitment to creating a research culture that is more focused, connected and impact-driven. With a clearer strategic direction and the collective strength of its community, FKM is positioning itself to advance engineering knowledge, inspire innovation and contribute solutions that matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">One faculty. One direction. Shaping FKM research excellence together.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA block-font-kerning-normal block-font-feature-liga-off block-font-feature-clig-off block-font-feature-calt-off direction-ltr align-start\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6526.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6526&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6711.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6711&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6687.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6687&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6694.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6694&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6624.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6624&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6721.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_6721&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Nuratiqah Imani binti NoordinEdited by Ts. ChM. Dr. Nor Suriani SaniHow can FKM build a stronger, more collaborative and globally visible research ecosystem? That question took centre stage at the FKM RDCI Town Hall 2026, held on 6 May 2026, bringing the faculty community together to shape the next chapter of research, development, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":216,"featured_media":509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:divi\/placeholder \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vol-2"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622.jpg",2048,1367,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622.jpg",2048,1367,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622.jpg",2048,1367,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"large":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-1024x684.jpg",1024,684,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-1536x1025.jpg",1536,1025,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622.jpg",2048,1367,false],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-400x250.jpg",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-1080x675.jpg",1080,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-400x284.jpg",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-510x382.jpg",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-1080x721.jpg",1080,721,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-400x516.jpg",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622.jpg",2048,1367,false],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-1280x854.jpg",1079,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-980x654.jpg",826,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/252\/2026\/10\/DSC_6622-480x320.jpg",405,270,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"halimahrazak","author_link":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/author\/halimahrazak\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/category\/vol-2\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Volume 2<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Written by Nuratiqah Imani binti NoordinEdited by Ts. ChM. Dr. Nor Suriani SaniHow can FKM build a stronger, more collaborative and globally visible research ecosystem? That question took centre stage at the FKM RDCI Town Hall 2026, held on 6 May 2026, bringing the faculty community together to shape the next chapter of research, development,&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/216"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=470"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":713,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470\/revisions\/713"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mech.utm.my\/mechanica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}