CONGRATULATIONS!

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. SAZLINA BINTI MD SALLEH

Teluk Bahang, situated within the Penang National Park, is experiencing increasing eutrophication due to pressures from aquaculture, recreational boating, and coastal development. This has led to recurring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills, affecting both wild and cultured fish populations. Observations reveal concerning shifts in phytoplankton communities, transitioning from diverse diatom assemblages to dominant large diatoms and dinoflagellates—indicating ecological imbalance likely driven by nutrient enrichment and environmental change. This project aims to deploy the 'GEM-in-a-Box' system at 12 strategically selected sites to systematically monitor key eutrophication indicators: nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus), chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, and phytoplankton composition. Data will be collected across wet and dry seasons, encompassing aquaculture zones, jetties, and a reference site. The integration of high-resolution, real-time data collection will allow for better understanding of nutrient dynamics, phytoplankton succession, and early warning signs of HAB events. Three core components will be executed: (1) robust environmental monitoring and sampling, (2) data compilation and sharing via an open-access platform, and (3) public and stakeholder engagement to promote policy uptake and conservation awareness. By linking scientific data with local knowledge and policy dialogues, the project will fill critical knowledge gaps, inform mitigation strategies, and enhance ecosystem resilience. The insights generated will support sustainable coastal management and help safeguard biodiversity in Teluk Bahang.

DR. ALLA BAKSH BIN MOHAMED AYUB KHAN

This project supports Malaysia’s educational shift from exam-oriented systems to learning-oriented language assessment practices, with a focus on the English language subject. Although major national assessments such as the UPSR and PT3 have been abolished to promote holistic and classroom-based evaluation, many teachers remain unfamiliar with formative assessment approaches. This lack of confidence and training often results in continued reliance on traditional, exam-centric methods that hinder deeper learning. To bridge this gap, the project proposes a three-day capacity-building workshop in Penang (October–November 2025) for English language educators, curriculum developers, and education officers. It will be led by a collaborative team comprising Professor Dr. Liying Cheng (City University of Macau), Dr. Alla Baksh Mohamed Ayub Khan (Universiti Sains Malaysia), and Dr. Faridah Juraime (Malaysian Examinations Syndicate). The workshop is designed to strengthen teachers’ assessment literacy and empower them to design and implement formative assessment tools effectively. The program includes a symposium featuring keynote addresses and expert panels, followed by hands-on sessions focused on peer assessment, self-assessment, and feedback strategies. Participants will develop practical action plans to integrate learning-oriented practices into their teaching. The project promotes a sustainable shift in classroom assessment culture by encouraging collaboration among key stakeholders and fostering professional networking across institutions. The initiative is grounded in global best practices and aligned with ILTA’s Code of Ethics, emphasizing fairness, stakeholder involvement, and educational impact. Its long-term goal is to establish a nationwide professional community that can support the gradual institutionalization of learning-oriented assessment frameworks in Malaysian schools. The project will be jointly funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (USD 10,000) and a grant request of USD 5,000 from ILTA. By targeting both policy and practice, this initiative aims to create lasting, transformative change in how English language learning is assessed in Malaysia.