The seminar themed "Communication a Platform for Knowledge Development and
Growth" was organised by the final year distance learning students of the
UPM Institute of Distance Educational and Learning (IDEAL) Bachelor of
Communications Program.

Featuring the presentation of four papers, the seminar commence with the
first topic by Zaki Bin Hassan of the Manpower Department entitled "Career
and Training Opportunity."

The second presenter was Chief Insp Ahmad Bin Osman, who presented a topic
on "Career as a Policeman in Malaysia, Policing Role and Leadership," while
UPM Bintulu Campus Dean of Social Science and Management Faculty, Associate
Professor Dr Iskandar Abdullah talked on "Career and Leadership in Public
Higher Learning Institute."

"Careers, Roles and Leadership in Medical Services" came as the final topic
of the seminar and was presented by a medical officer from the Bintulu
Hospital, Dr Zamil Najwa.

Abdul Shukur Bin Idrus, a political secretary to the Bintulu Member of
Parliament, Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing was on hand to officiate at the
closing ceremony and to present the certificates and souvenirs.

In his closing speech read by Abdul Shukur, Tiong praised the efforts of the
undergraduates to organise the seminar that opened up an opportunity for the
examination students to raise their self-aspirations, while gaining
information that could help them to decide on their future.

The success of the undergraduates to organise such seminar had proven that
despite already having a career each, they were still able to divide their
time between studying for their degree while initiating a project that could
benefit the community at the same time.

He added that the success of organising the seminar proven the ability of
the distance learning students to strive towards bridging the community with
the government, while encouraging the development of good leadership spirit.

As such, Tiong urged people with careers to continue upgrading their
knowledge and qualifications via programmes such as those organised by
IDEAL-UPM, so that they would be able to contribute more effectively to the
society.

Meanwhile, IDEAL director, Dr Mohd Salihin Siais, who was represented by UPM
Serdang Modern Language and Communication lecturer, Sayed Agil Sayed
Alshagoff, assured that UPM would continue to open up the opportunity for
the working group in the society to upgrade their qualification by enrolling
for graduates and post-graduates programmes by IDEAL.

The organising chairman Robin Junang, on the other hand, explained that the
seminar carried a main objective of dissemination of information via
systematic communication approach to specific target group.

"The exposure that we intended through this seminar will be able to help
especially participating upper secondary school students, school leavers and
university hraduates to decide their destiny in the future," he added.

Through a club, Kelab BComm Bintulu that they had founded back in 1999,
Robin said the undergraduates was able to work on a common platform not only
yo accomplish their academic projects, but also to work for the betterment
of the society.

"We already had organised a seminar that also attracted our juniors as well
as in a community project last year. Even if we would be graduating this
year, we will continue to promote our field of study and to help the society
through the club," he added.