Politeknik & Kolej Komuniti Journal of Life Long Learning

Prediction of Tap Changing Transformer Losses Minimization using Artificial Neural Network

Khairol Adha Ahmad — 2025-06-30

This research proposes a stable and efficient approach to estimating real power losses in tap-changing transformers using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. Power losses can have a substantial impact on the stability of the electrical supply to customers, especially when increased power demands cause uneven voltage profiles. Tap-changing transformers are crucial for adjusting output voltages to the desired levels. The suggested ANN algorithm was tested on an IEEE 30-bus system, and the findings show a high correlation between the training and testing outputs, with the correlation coefficient (R) approaching unity. This indicates the reliability and accuracy of the ANN model in determining the optimal tap setting for minimizing losses. The paper also underscores the significance of transmission loss and the associated costs. This indicates the reliability and accuracy of the ANN model in determining the optimal tap setting for minimizing losses. The paper also underscores the significance of transmission loss and the associated costs.

Utilizing Social Media Platforms in Teaching and Learning English Language Perceptions of PTSB Students

K.Navin Kumaran — 2025-06-30

This paper aims to demonstrate students' perception about the use of social media in learning English. With the vast spread of various social media, it is utilized by educators and content creators to teach and share English lessons. The teachers able to maximize it’s usage in education approaches. To narrow down, this study identifies Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (PTSB) students' perceptions on the usage of social media applications in English teaching involving a total of 100 Diploma students who are taking DUE50032 Communicative English 3 course. They are required to engage in social media-based activities conducted on the course's e-learning site for 10 weeks. Throughout the 10 weeks, they were instructed to complete several assignments, quizzes and tasks to be assessed. At the end of the 10th week, a questionnaire was given to the students to identify their perception of the activities that had been carried out. The findings of the study show that students think Wiki has helped them in improving their writing, while YouTube videos are widely used to improve speaking skills. Additionally, Facebook discussion groups are considered useful for learning grammar and vocabulary. Twitter is only used to receive information about the definition of words. A discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of social media in learning English language learning and suggestions for increasing the potential of such applications are also included. Educators are advised while endeavouring to promote knowledge sharing in terms of collaborative learning through social media, simultaneously, to raise students’ awareness of academic integrity and also provide proper training.

A Survey of The Knowledge, Attitudes and Motivations of Tawau Sabah Polytechnic Students Towards Online Education in 2024, Post-Covid-19 Pandemic and Its Comparison in 2020, During the Pandemic

Mohamad Zulhilmy Mohamad Yusop — 2025-06-30

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic changed and shaped the entire world; in terms of economy including education. Five years have passed, the world is back to normal. Even so, the rest of the pandemic has a big impact on everyone. Now, the education system is no longer clumsy with the conference technology that was once pioneered by the conglomerates. Software and applications are growing more and more and offer free services and even compete with manufacturing companies to provide the best service quality. This study in 2024 is actually a series of previous studies by researcher in 2020 when the pandemic was ongoing. This study aims to look at three levels of measurement involving the soft skills of Tawau Sabah Polytechnic students, namely their knowledge, attitude and motivation towards online education during the post-pandemic period. A comparison is made between 2020 and the current year to see the average difference of the three measurement levels; whether it makes a significant difference or not. 106 respondents among students from semester two to semester four, were given a questionnaire using an online application, Google Form, which proved to be easy to disseminate and create more efficient data analysis. In summary, it was found that the results of this year's study showed that the mean average for knowledge was high, while attitude and motivation were moderate. This data is also the same as the results of the study in 2020. This proves that the respondents that are the students show their three levels of soft skills towards online education is something that is no longer new, unique or strange. The use of technology for their generation has become a habit. No matter how technology develops, even viruses can mutate, and we don't know what the future holds. This study is important for the management of Sabah Polytechnic Tawau and other educational institutions to see the need and importance of online education along with the provision of appropriate infrastructure for its current and future students in line with the Digital Education Policy introduced by the Government of Malaysia Madani.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme at Ledang Community College on Local Entrepreneur Development in Tangkak

Faridah Shariyah Sharuddin — 2025-06-30

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of digital entrepreneurship programs conducted by Ledang Community College in advancing local entrepreneurship in Tangkak. The study uses a theoretical framework that combines Adult Learning Theory and Entrepreneurship Theory to assess the skills and performance of entrepreneurs after participating in the program. The study methodology includes the use of VARK questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of secondary data taken from participants' business records. The findings showed that there was a significant improvement in the understanding of entrepreneurial concepts and the application of digital skills in the business operations of participants. Interviews with course participants emphasize the effectiveness of practical learning modules that are relevant to the needs of the market. Secondary data shows an increase in revenue and sales, signaling an improvement in business performance after the completion of the course. The conclusion of this study found that the digital entrepreneurship program is a valuable initiative in entrepreneurial education. The course was successful in strengthening the capacity of entrepreneurs to compete in the global market as well as assisting in the development of the local economy in Tangkak. These results underline the need for integration and improvement of digital entrepreneurship programs to support the growth of entrepreneurs in the dynamic digital age. This study provides strong evidence of the importance of digital entrepreneurship education in an era of knowledge-based and technology-based economies and urges the development of more oriented programs on practical applications to enhance the success of local entrepreneurs.

Experiment of Turmeric Infusion in Neem Oil for Effective Pest Control

LEONG KOK SENG — 2025-06-30

Neem and turmeric insecticides are a cost effective alternative to conventional chemical pesticides due to their inexpensive and natural ingredients. These insecticides improve plant defense mechanisms and increase resistance to fungal diseases and pest infestations. Neem extract, obtained by method extraction, has synergistic benefits when combined with additives such garlic, turmeric, and chilli. These additives improve the adhesion of neem based insecticides to plant surfaces, enhance pest repellent properties, and increase insecticidal efficacy, with remarkable interactions between the curcumin in turmeric and the insecticidal components of neem. Neem and turmeric pesticides are crucial for sustainable agriculture. They offer pH neutrality, strong antifungal activity, skin-friendly formulations, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability while stimulating plant defenses. This research was conducted on maple trees in Bukit Pasir, Muar Johor, under consistent environmental conditions. As part of the study, a turmeric infused neem oil was developed that has a pH of 8 after 14 days, is skin-friendly, and has a pleasant odor. The application of 15 ml of this pesticide resulted in no insects being found on the plants for 14 days. The optimum concentration of neem and turmeric (0.05 mol L^-1) showed the best effect on the plants after 14 days. These results indicate that the combination of turmeric with neem oil at a concentration of 0.05 mol L^-1 is optimal for plant performance over 14 days. The use of these natural insecticides in agricultural practice ensures crop safety and promotes ecological balance.

COMPUTATIONAL STUDY ON BUCKLING CAPACITY OF LIPPED-CHANNEL BEAMS INFILLED WITH CONCRETE

TECK JUNG CHAI — 2025-06-30

This paper presents the computational study employing finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the buckling capacity of lipped channel beams infilled with concrete. Locally available lipped channel sections with overall depths ranging from 100 mm to 250 mm were used in the computational study. The length of the beams varies between 3 m and 7.5 m. Two sets of beams were modeled: control beams consisting of a plain-lipped channel section and another set infilled with concrete. The analysis was conducted under two types of boundary conditions: simply supported (pinned-roller) and pinned-pinned supports. Buckling analysis was performed using LUSAS FEA under a four-point bending test. The results revealed that larger-lipped channel sections exhibited higher buckling capacities for both plain and concrete-infilled configurations. Additionally, concrete-infilled lipped channel beams with pinned-pinned support achieved greater capacities compared to their simply supported counterparts. Longer span beams, being slenderer, demonstrated reduced buckling capacities. The buckling capacity of lipped channel beams increased significantly with concrete infill compared to plain-lipped channel beams. This study highlights concrete infill as an effective method to enhance the structural capacity of open steel sections, providing a viable solution for improving their buckling performance.

Evaluating of Graduate Programme Educational Objectives (PEO) Achievement in Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Communication) Program

JAM'AAH SUUD — 2025-06-30

As the highly skilled professionals in electronic engineering demand continuously increases, it is essential to examine how well educational programs are equipping graduates for industry needs. Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are a tool to measure how academic achievements align with the skills required in the professional world. This study assesses how well the Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Communication) (DEP) program equips graduates to meet industry demands, focusing on Program Educational Objectives (PEOs). Four key PEOs were evaluated: practicing as technicians in electrical engineering (PEO1), contributing to society with professional ethics (PEO2), engaging in entrepreneurial activities using engineering skills (PEO3), and enhancing knowledge for career advancement (PEO4). The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, combining structured questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews with an industry advisory panel for qualitative insights, involving 36 graduates from 2018-2019. Findings showed that 67% of graduates met PEO1, 94% achieved PEO2, 67% accomplished PEO3, and 72% fulfilled PEO4. The results suggest that updating the curriculum to emphasize entrepreneurial training, leadership development, and advanced technology integration would better align graduates with workforce needs. Feedback from the Industry Advisory Panel highlights the importance of continuous curriculum improvements to address evolving industry expectations and challenges.

TVET and the Economic Competitiveness of Sarawak: The Role of the Mechanical Engineering Certificate Program in Developing a Skilled Workforce

MOHD GHAFRAN MOHAMED — 2025-06-30

Mechanical engineering is crucial to today's industrialisation, with mechanical systems' design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance. As technology advances and hence generates more need for skilled workers, Malaysia has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to boost its human capital, particularly in Sarawak. The Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 emphasises the development of skilled labour to meet growing industrial needs. Despite Sarawak's industrial economy development, spanning the oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, the demand for skilled mechanical experts remains low. Consequently, the industry is experiencing a worker shortage, paving the way for dependency on foreign workers. Existing TVET institutions do not adequately cater to industry demand, and no systematic training program is aligned with emerging technologies. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain the feasibility and impact of a CME in Sarawak to develop sustainable human resources. This study aims to determine the feasibility and demand for offering a CME at Politeknik Mukah and its impact on the local workforce, industry needs, and economic growth. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study interviewed 234 secondary school students, 33 polytechnic lecturers, and 49 industry representatives from various industries, gauging their perceptions of TVET education. Moreover, in-depth insights into industry expectations and workforce demands were gained through semi-structured interviews with six government stakeholders and industry experts. Results show strong industry support for the program, as evidenced by 96.7% of companies surveyed agreeing on the relevance of mechanical engineering training and more than 70% of high school students were interested in enrolling. Industry stakeholders recognised the need for skilled mechanical technicians in maintenance, automation, and renewable energy. Employers further asserted that a TVET certificate programme would address labour shortages, increase productivity, and align education with the needs of the labour market, making Sarawak more economically robust. The study testifies that a CME would significantly increase Sarawak's skilled workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labour and industrial development. The suggestions are for harmonising TVET education to address the needs of industry for long-term economic sustainability and technological development in Sarawak. Hence, Politeknik Mukah can consider offering this programme in response to future labour demand and PCDS 2030 targets.

The Level of Entrepreneurial Competency among Lecturers at Melaka Polytechnic

Fariza Haidayu Mohd Hashim — 2025-06-30

Abstract

Politeknik Melaka an institution under Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia is required to carry out the duties as educators effectively. This study aims to identify the level of entrepreneurial competence among lecturers of Politeknik Melaka to apply entrepreneurial elements in their teaching. Furthermore, this study was also conducted to estimate the role of entrepreneurial competence to judge the relationship between internal entrepreneurial attitudes and the willingness to apply entrepreneurial elements of lecturers at Politeknik Melaka. This study was conducted to examine the level of competence among Polytechnic Lecturers, to examine the gender differences on the level of competence and the significance of competence with gender. The data of this study used a questionnaire analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Respondents consisted of 30 lecturers from Politeknik Melaka who were selected at random. The findings of the study as a whole provide alternative answers on how the entrepreneurial competencies found among lecturers of Politeknik Melaka are able to determine the readiness of the application of entrepreneurial elements among them.

Keywords: Tendency of lecturers; Lecturers at Politeknik Melaka; Entrepreneurship.