UPSI implements 'University Integrated Information System' to improve work processes

TANJUNG MALIM, March 10  -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) through its Information and Communication Technology Centre (ICT) has fully implemented an open-source application system known as the University Integrated Information System (SMBU).

UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the application system had the potential to be commercialised and adopted in agencies that had similar management and work processes.

"This effort is expected to be a catalyst towards improving the implementation of open source-based solutions in public sector agencies and creating community collaborations among public sector agencies, the private sector, academia and industries," he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, the university’s chief information officer Norazizah Othman said the self-contained system supported all core activities of the university using a single database.

“SMBU consists of six main systems, namely financial information system, academic information system and student records, human resource and administrative information system, integrated research management system, electronic learning system and the MyUPSI portal.

“The SMBU migration project fully utilised UPSI's internal expertise, as well as graduates from the Bachelor of Software Engineering Programme, UPSI Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry (FSKIK) who were appointed as system developers to create a highly-skilled workforce that can be absorbed into the industry.

"The project, which was implemented in phases from the end of 2018 till the end of last year, was redeveloped using the latest system development framework as well as strengthening information security aspects to ensure compatibility with technological needs and changes," he said.

According to him, UPSI has managed to save more than RM500,000 in annual costs for licensing of generic products, which can indirectly reduce the university's operating costs and encourage innovation through the utilisation of new ICT technologies.

In a separate statement, it was announced that three participants from FSKIK, one from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences under the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, and a semester seven student received a sponsorship of RM10,000 each from Dbilique Media Sdn. Bhd.

FSKIK Art and Design Department head Dr Harleny Abd Arif said the five received sponsorship to participate in the 'Batik Artisan Incubator: Sungei Wang Batik Revival 2022' programme, giving them the opportunity to compete in the final stage of the national batik demonstration competition.

“We are among the 15 participants in the public category who managed to win sponsorship out of 30 selected participants in the country who will be judged by the competition’s jury at the final stage on March 27, 2022, at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.

"The programme gives us the opportunity to increase knowledge on the ins and outs of the world of entrepreneurship through the sharing of knowledge and experience by leading entrepreneurs who have achieved success in the national market, as well as at the international level," she said.

-- BERNAMA