Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences i-CATS University College

FAAS Course Portfolio Briefing 2026

7 August 2026 | The FAAS Course Portfolio Briefing was conducted by the Head of Programme and the Faculty Quality Coordinator for all FAAS lecturers to strengthen their understanding of Course Portfolio preparation, institutional guidelines, and ISO Quality Procedures related to academic documentation.

The briefing highlighted the importance of maintaining standardised Course Portfolios to support:
✅ Quality Teaching and Learning
✅ Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
✅ Compliance with MQA requirements
✅ Institutional Quality Assurance practices

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Dato' Shazali Mansor, and Professor Dr. Hamimah, Director of AQAD, for their valuable sharing on academic excellence and the continuous enhancement of our academic programmes.

Thank you for the insightful session and for your unwavering commitment to strengthening academic quality and excellence.




ICATS University College

6th August 2026 | STRATEGIC COLLABORATION CEREMONY WITH INDUSTRY PARTNERS

The Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences (FAAS), i-CATS University College recently held a Strategic Collaboration Ceremony with Beyond Harvex Sdn. Bhd. and Agrolight Resources Sdn. Bhd. as an initial step towards the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which is expected to take place by the end of 2026.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Richard Ngu, Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Harvex Sdn. Bhd., together with his representatives, and Mr. Leonard Jambu, Director of Agrolight Resources Sdn. Bhd., accompanied by his representatives. Representing ICATS University College were Associate Professor Dr. Aida Shafreena Ahmad Puad, Dean of the Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences, Associate Professor Jong Tien Kiong, Director of Engagement and Endowment, i-CATS University College, together with members of the faculty's academic staff.

The discussion focused on several strategic areas of collaboration, including:

* Knowledge sharing, technical expertise, and technology exchange in agrotechnology and applied sciences.
* Joint research, innovation, and development (R&D) initiatives.
* Organization of seminars, workshops, training, and professional development programmes.
* Student industrial placements, project supervision, and talent development.
* Consultancy services, technology transfer, and commercialization of research outcomes.
* Exploring additional collaborative opportunities that will benefit the university, industry, and the wider community.

This strategic collaboration reflects the shared commitment of academia and industry to strengthen education, research, and innovation. With the MoA expected to be signed by the end of 2026, both parties are optimistic that this partnership will create greater opportunities for talent development, high-impact research, technological innovation, and the commercialization of research outcomes, ultimately contributing to the advancement of Malaysia's agrotechnology sector.

The Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences, i-CATS University College, extends its sincere appreciation to Beyond Harvex Sdn. Bhd. and Agrolight Resources Sdn. Bhd. for their commitment to this strategic collaboration. May this partnership serve as the foundation for a long-term, sustainable, and impactful relationship that delivers meaningful benefits to both academia and industry.

Manuscript Writing Workshop 2026 ✨

The Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences has successfully organised a workshop on manuscript writing on 3 & 4 August 2026 at Sunnydale 1928, Chemsains.

The workshop featured distinguished speakers, Prof. Dr. Mohd Hasnain bin Md. Hussain and Prof. Dr. Zainab Ngaini, who shared their expertise on effective manuscript writing and submission.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on guidance, participants enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in:
✅ Writing quality journal manuscripts
✅ Identifying suitable journals for publication
✅ Differentiating legitimate and predatory journals
✅ Improving publication readiness and research impact

Our sincere appreciation also goes to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Shafreena, Dean of the Faculty, whose strong support and commitment to this initiative reflect the faculty’s continuous effort to strengthen research excellence.

It is our hope that the knowledge gained from this workshop will contribute to producing more impactful publications and further enhance the research culture at iCATS University College.

🌿 A Career in Botany: Stories from Sarawak 🌿

We were delighted to host an engaging sharing session by Ms. Ho Yun Ye and Mr. Mose Langway from Case Western Reserve University, USA, who shared their experiences conducting botanical fieldwork in Sabah and Sarawak.

The session offered valuable insights into tropical field research, plant diversity, and the realities of pursuing studies and a career in botany. Both students and lecturers enjoyed the presentation and actively participated in the discussion by asking questions and exchanging views with the speakers.

Our sincere appreciation to Ms. Ho and Mr. Langway for sharing their knowledge, experiences, and memorable stories from the field. We wish them a safe journey home and every success in their future research and academic pursuits.

May this session inspire more students to explore the fascinating world of plants, biodiversity, and field research. 🌱

ICATS University College

🌿 You're Invited! 🌿

Curious about what a career in botany looks like beyond the classroom?

Join us for "A Career in Botany – Stories from Sarawak," an inspiring sharing session featuring International Mobility students from Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA, as they share their academic journeys, field experiences, research adventures, and the opportunities that have shaped their careers.

Hear firsthand stories from:
🌱 Miss Yun Ye Ho (PhD Student)
🌱 Mr. Mose Langway (Undergraduate Senior)

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Shafreena Binti Ahmad Puad

Whether you're passionate about plants, considering a career in the life sciences, or simply looking for inspiration, this session is for you!

📍 Check the poster for the date, time, and venue.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Where ancient rainforests whisper stories of the past, diverse cultures thrive in harmony, and the spirit of Sarawak shines with pride!
Happy Sarawak Day fellow Sarawakians!

Perbincangan Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) antara Lembaga Perindustrian Nanas Malaysia (LPNM) dan Kolej Universiti i-CATS

📅 9 Julai 2026 (Khamis)
🕙 10.00 pagi

Fakulti Agroteknologi dan Sains Gunaan, Kolej Universiti i-CATS telah mengadakan sesi Perbincangan Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) bersama Lembaga Perindustrian Nanas Malaysia (LPNM) Negeri Sarawak bagi memperkukuh kerjasama strategik dalam bidang penyelidikan, inovasi dan pembangunan industri.

Perbincangan ini dipengerusikan oleh Prof. Madya Dr. Aida Shafreena Binti Ahmad Puad (Dekan Fakulti Agroteknologi dan Sains Gunaan) dan turut dihadiri oleh wakil LPNM Negeri Sarawak, En. Frin bin Ibnaihi (Pegawai Ehwal Ekonomi) dan En. Mohammad Khairul Azmi bin Kamil (Penolong Pegawai Ehwal Ekonomi), Prof. Madya En. Jong Tien Kiong (Pengarah Pejabat Keterlibatan Industri dan Komuniti), Prof. Madya Dr. Donald Stephen (Pengarah i-CATS RISE), serta para pensyarah dan eksekutif Fakulti Agroteknologi dan Sains Gunaan.

Sesi ini merangkumi perkongsian aktiviti yang telah dilaksanakan hasil kerjasama antara LPNM Negeri Sarawak dan Kolej Universiti i-CATS, di samping membincangkan status pelaksanaan, inisiatif semasa dan perancangan bagi enam projek penyelidikan yang telah diamanahkan kepada pihak Kolej Universiti i-CATS.

Kerjasama erat antara institusi pendidikan tinggi dan agensi industri merupakan pemangkin kepada pembangunan penyelidikan yang relevan, penghasilan inovasi berimpak tinggi serta penyediaan penyelesaian yang dapat menyokong keperluan industri dan komuniti.

Fakulti Agroteknologi dan Sains Gunaan, Kolej Universiti i-CATS merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada pihak LPNM Negeri Sarawak atas komitmen dan kepercayaan yang diberikan. Semoga jalinan kerjasama ini terus berkembang dan menghasilkan lebih banyak impak positif kepada dunia akademik, industri serta masyarakat.

"Menghubungkan Akademia dan Industri, Mencipta Inovasi untuk Masa Hadapan."

8 July 2026 | Industrial Visit to Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA)

The Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences, ICATS University College successfully conducted an industrial visit to SALCRA to strengthen industry - academia collaboration and explore strategic partnerships in the agricultural sector.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Puan Wynna Deborah, Head of Learning and Development, together with the SALCRA management team. The programme featured a corporate briefing by Tuan Mohd Dzulfakhri bin Abdullah, Senior Trainer, and a presentation on the SALCRA Bajo Training Centre by Tuan Mohd Affendy Bujang, Operation Manager.

Representing the Dean, Mr. Edwind Lasum, Head of Programme, Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences, introduced the faculty's academic programmes and shared the faculty's vision for collaborative initiatives with SALCRA. The discussion focused on opportunities in student industrial training, academic and industrial visits, research and innovation, knowledge transfer, and community engagement.

Also representing the faculty were ChM. Dr. Nur Arif Mortadza (Research Coordinator), Ts. Seraphina Dominic Gisong (Industry and Community Engagement Coordinator), and Dr. Prisca Divra Johan (Senior Lecturer)

The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to Puan Wynna Deborah and the SALCRA management team for their warm hospitality and fruitful discussions. We look forward to building a strong and sustainable partnership that will benefit both institutions and support the future of the agricultural industry.

1st July 2026 | Ethnobotany Field Visit to the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) Gallery

On 1 July 2026, students enrolled in the Ethnobotany course from the Faculty of Agrotechnology and Applied Sciences (FAAS), i-CATS University College, participated in an educational field visit to the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) Gallery at Damai Central, Santubong. The visit aimed to provide students with an understanding of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, the first geopark established in Sarawak, which showcases the unique integration of geological, biological, and cultural heritage found within Kuching Division and parts of Serian, Sarawak.

The students were warmly welcomed by Miss Ariessha binti Azhar , Mr. Abdul Aqilkhalaf bin Jamaluddin , and Mr. Kamarul bin Angkut . The programme began with a registration session, followed by an informative briefing by Miss Ariessha, a group photography session, and a guided tour of the gallery. During the visit, students learned about the geopark concept, the recognition of the Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark, and the importance of conserving geological heritage, biodiversity, and cultural heritage through sustainable development. The session also highlighted the important roles of local communities and the younger generation in safeguarding these invaluable natural and cultural assets for future generations.

The field visit provided an enriching learning experience by connecting classroom knowledge with real-world examples of geoconservation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. It also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the relationships between people, plants, culture, and the environment.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the team at the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) Gallery for their warm hospitality, informative presentations, and engaging guided tour. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration in future educational and outreach activities that inspire our students to become responsible stewards of Sarawak's rich natural and cultural heritage.