THREPORT FROM MALAYSIA FOR THE 5

FNCA WORKSHOP OF THE HUMANRESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Rapieh Aminuddin
Malaysian Institute For Nuclear Technology Research, MALAYSIA.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.

Human resource development (HRD) activities continues to be an important agenda inthis region and throughout the world for the attainment of the goals of sustainabledevelopment, preservation of nuclear knowledge and ensuring nuclear and radiation safety.
Regional cooperation such as the HRD project sponsored by the FNCA will certainly help inforging synergy between neighboring nations in achieving these goals. It has to a large extent
increased safety awareness and safety standards among the public and the nuclear andradiation personnel. This is evident when Ms. Junko Matsubara, Vice Chairman of Japan
thNuclear safety Commission was invited to present a keynote address at the recent 6 AnnualRadiation Protection Officers Conference at Kota Kinabalu and she commented, “…… I am
deeply impressed by people's ( Experts and Officers) big concern on radiation protection.”

2. RECENT TOPICS IN THE NUCLEAR FIELD AND RELATED HUMAN RESOURCESDEVELOPMENT (HRD) IN MALAYSIA

2.1.

The Malaysian government places high priority for HRD in the national development
plan and in international cooperation. The most recent development in the local HRD agenda
is the introduction of the new remuneration scheme. This new scheme revolutionized thephilosophy of human resource management to one which is based on the principles ofcompetency. The most prominent feature of this new scheme is the introduction ofassessment of competency level as the basis for salary increase and promotion.

2.2.

Although this new scheme puts a heavy load on the HRD Division, it provides a goldenopportunity for enhancing competency in radiation safety. This topic has been included in all
syllabus and curriculum of every position and grade. By doing this the staff competency inradiation will be assessed through examinations and upgraded through courses. The passing

1mark for this examination is 80%. The high standard should ensure that staff are well versedwith safety procedures and have an up-to-date knowledge in radiation safety

2.3.

Promotion, education and public acceptance of nuclear science and technology are ongoing activities. 4 important activities deserves to be elaborated here - Innovation Day, Floraday, S&T Expo, and Nuclear Science and Technology Promotion to Schools.

2.3.1.

Innovation Day – This is an annual event at MINT and its objective is to promote
innovation among its staff. Staff display their innovation and compete for gold, silver
and bronze medals. This competition is definitely gaining popularity among theresearchers and technical support staff as can be seen from the jump in the number ofentries every year. While this event has increased innovation in MINT, it has also
attracted the interests of school children. MINT invites schools to visit this innovation
day and organizes special programme for the students. The response from schools isoverwhelming and it manages to attract about 3,000 children every year. Many students
impressed with the applications of nuclear S&T in the innovations. Feedbacks fromparents and teachers shows that quite a number of these children have intentions ofpursuing their studies in the nuclear field in the future.

2.3.2.

Flora day – This is also an annual event that showcases new cultivars produced
through R&D in mutation breeding of ornamental plants, fruit trees and recently grassfor grazing of animal livestock. This has become an event that nursery operators, plant
breeders and landscape architects look forward to every year. This event has createdawareness among them that nuclear S&T is relevant in their area of work and can play a
big role to play in beautifying the environment and changing the look of landscapes in
the future. As a spin-of this event, a Flora Interest Group has been formed and activities
are organized for the members in conjunction with Flora day. This group has potentialof becoming a society in the future

2.3.3.

S&T Expo – This is a national event that is supported by the Ministry of Science,
Technology and the Environment (MOSTE) and MINT plays the leading role in theorganization of this event. It gets the cooperation of all universities and research
institutes. This event is something like the innovation day but on a much grander scale
as it is a national event. Competition is more intense and not just among innovators but2

also among institution who compete for the most number of awards. Expositions andcompetitions such as this nurtures the R&D culture and increases the innovativeness ofthe Malaysian public. The winners of this expo get to compete at international
exhibitions such as that held annually in Geneva and other countries. Being a big eventthat is known among the scientific community in the country, MINT being the chieforganizer is brought into the lime light and and gains rapport and support of thescientific community while at the same time nuclear S&T becomes more prominent.

2.3.4.

Nuclear Science and Technology Promotion to Schools – This programme gets athbudget of RM 1 million under the 8 Malaysian development plan. The target of thisprogramme is to reach to all schools in all districts in all the states and all teachers
training colleges in Malaysia. Its objective is to educate them on the application of
nuclear technology and radiation safety. About 20 personnel are involved on a part-timebasis while carrying out their normal duties and responsibilities. They would leave
office for a week at a time to visit a few schools within a district. They would set up anexhibition, deliver talks and carry out surveys. This programme has proven to be very
successful and receives positive feedbacks from both teachers and students. As a resultof this promotion, there has been an increase in the demand for MINT to participate inexhibitions and other science events and for MINT researchers to deliver talks. MINT
now has close rapport with state education departments the the education ministry,
forging the way for new collaborations and new programmes in the future.

3. SUPPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR TRAINING TECHNOLOGY
3.1.

Request and/or proposal for mutual support on the development of training technology
and its needs on materials and curriculum – Training technology is available in everycountry. What is needed is content development. At the same time learners needs to beencouraged to learn through e-learning. Presently, learners still prefer classroom typelearning sessions as this is the learning method they are accustomed to and classroom type or
instructor-led training offers the personal relationshipand other social activities andinteractions. Neither instructor-led learning nor e-learning can stand on its own. A blend ofboth would be a preferable mode where e-learning serves as a complement or supplement to
the traditional learning methods. Malaysia would like to suggest that countries go ahead inproducing e-learning materials and keep other countries informed what they have available
so that we can all share whatever contents that have been developed.

33.2.

For the time being MINT has not produced any e-learning materials but is seriously
planning to develop an e-learning system. Basically our plan is as follows:-

3.2.1.

Set up e-learning management system

3.2.2.

Set up a recording system for life lectures and these recorded lectures will beconverted into e-learning materials.

3.2.3.

Administer e-learning using self -developed materials as well as courseware
available in the market and through regional and international cooperation

3.2.4.

Integrate e-learning with Competency Level Assessment System

3.2.5.

Set-up e-learning content development system to make content and courseware
development more efficient.

4. SUMMARY OF “SURVEY OF THE BASIC DATA ON HUMAN RESOURCESDEVELOPMENT (HRD)”

4.1.

Survey of the Academic Association and Society in the Nuclear Field – The results of thesurvey are shown in table 1. There are 5 major associations or societies in the nuclear field inMalaysia – The Malaysian Nuclear Society (MNS), the Malaysian Society for Nondestructive Testing (MSNT), the Malaysian Radiation Protection Association (MARPA), theMalaysian Nuclear Medicine Society and the Malaysian Medical Physics Society. All thesesocieties or associations are led by researchers from MINT. Societies or associations areeffective forum to voice strategic and policy issues to relevant government authorities.

4.1.1.

MNS- This society is formed for the purpose of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear
techniques. It organizes various activities, the biggest being the International Nuclear
Conference which is held every 5 years, the last one was held in 2002. It holds the Xray Application Conference and XRD-XRF seminar and workshop every year. Since
2001 the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemorative day has become an annual event
and attracts an audience of around 400. It publishes the Malaysian Nuclear Bulletin andJournal of Nuclear Society twice a year.

44.1.2.

MARPA – Although the youngest among all the nuclear societies, it is characterized
by being a closely knit circle of radiation protection officers from industries, regulatorsfrom the regulatory bodies and radiation safety trainers or experts. They would gather
in the Radiation Protection Officers Conference once a year at different resorts. This isa commendable way of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of those
responsible for ensuring safety for workers, the public and the environment. Besides theRPO Conference, the association organizes ad hoc or one-off events such as theIonizing Energy Treatment seminar held recently which attracted about 50 participants.
The society has also published a book – Application of Nuclear Technology andnewsletters.

4.1.3.

MSNT- This is a society that promotes non-destructive testing. It is well establishedand professional and supports and maintains the NDT Certification Scheme. Itorganizes seminar/conference once every 2 years and NDT training courses regularly ,publishes its own newsletter and conducts dialogs with the regulatory and certification
authorities as well as major industries that demand for NDT services.

4.1.4.

MEDICAL PHYSICS SOCIETY- This is another young society. Like any othersocieties, it organizes conference regularly - once every 2 years

4.1.5.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE SOCIETY- This is a well established society and has madesignificant contribution in the area of nuclear medicine. Since its formation nuclear
medicine centers have increased from 3 in 1991 to 11 to date. It organizes training formembers – Nuclear medicine Physician, technologist, physicists on a regular basis andhelps in upgrading the teaching of nuclear medicine practices in universities. Throughits efforts nuclear medicine is now department on its own and nuclear medicine
physicians are now recognized as specialists.

4.2.

Present Status of the survey data (updates of data presented last year)

4.2.1.

There are no significant changes in the data collected last year except for the numberof new cancer cases which has increased to 40,000. The number of gamma irradiation
facilities remain the same but the variety of materials being irradiated has increased.

54.3.

Ways of using the survey data

4.3.1.

The data provides a profile of nuclear institutes, personnel, education and application.
Most of this data does not change rapidly. Data obtained in a particular year may not
signal a need for action but a trend in changes will mean a lot more. A country may
cope with current position or conditions but may face problems when there is a sudden
increase or decrease in supply or demand. Therefore it is important that data is collected
continuously.

4.3.2.

Increase in the number of cancer cases should alert relevant authorities to provide
more resources and funding and improve infrastructure for example:-

4.3.2.1.

Produce more trained personnel – nuclear medicine specialists, oncologists,
radiotherapist, nuc lear medicine technologists, etc.

4.3.2.2.

Set up more centers to treat and diagnose cancer patients

4.3.2.3.

Install more diagnostic and therapeutic equipments

4.3.2.4.

Increase enrollment in universities and colleges

4.3.3.

For the FNCA HRD project it signals that demand for training in nuclear medicine
and oncology for Malaysia will be higher.

5. HRD STRATEGY BASED ON THE SURVEY DATA ANALYSIS

5.1.

HRD strategy based on the survey data and its analysis
5.1.1.

More data is required

5.1.1.1.

Current number of type of personnel to be compared with desired number.
This should be based on blueprint of programmes activities.

65.1.1.2.

What new skill and knowledge required

5.1.1.3.

What major problems must be overcome in acquiring and training personnel

5.1.1.4.

What can countries cope on its own and what assistance does it require
through regional cooperation example cylcotron technology

5.1.1.5.

What skills and knowledge does countries require for seminars, training
courses, attachments, post-graduate studies and e-learning

5.1.1.6.

What HRD activities is not covered by IAEA/RCA and other projects underFNCA but should be included in FNCA HRD project

5.2.

5.1.1.6.1.

Activities in support of nuclear societies

5.1.1.6.2.

Activities in support of nuclear science clubs for youth

5.1.1.6.3.

Masters and PhD

Plan for future activities to promote the interest of the young generation in Nuclear
Science and Technology

5.2.1.

With the current efforts to promote nuclear science and technology to schools
nationwide and the encouraging support received from the ministry and state
departments of education, Malaysia has a sound foundation to promote the interest of
the young generation in nuclear S&T. Among other things that can be done will beestablish the nuclear science youth club. This can be done by approaching the existingscience club in schools and the provision of adequate funding which maybe requested
under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

5.2.2.

In the mean time MINT will continue to accept students for industrial training, finalyear thesis and MSc. / PhD supervision as well as visits from school children.

76. REQUEST AND PROPOSAL ON MEXT SCIENTIST EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN
NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, INTERNATIONAL TRAINING COURSES, AND
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION (MASTER’S DEGREE / DOCTOR’S DEGREE)

6.1.

MEXT Scientist Exchange Program – Topics of interest are:-6.1.1.

Nuclear Instrumentation for Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) system,

6.1.2.

Analysis of Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) data and modeling,

6.1.3.

Design of neutron radiography shielding and collimation system using radiationtransport code,

6.1.4.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) dose calculation and modeling of brain
structures,

6.1.5.

Digital signal processing (DSP) for nuclear instrumentations,6.1.6.

Computed neutron tomography design and algorithm,

6.1.7.

Imaging system for neutron radiography,

6.1.8.

Delayed Neutron Analysis system design and control,

6.1.9.

Fast Detection System design for PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron ActivationAnalysis),6.1.10. Modeling of Neutron distribution in a reactor core using numerical methods,
6.1.11. Advance nano-structure material studies using Small Angle Neutron Scattering(SANS),

6.1.12. Heat transfer modeling and design for research reactor,

6.1.13. Spent fuel storage and transfer cask modeling and design,86.1.14. Research reactor instrumentation and control

6.1.15. Nuclear application and Agriculture

6.1.16. Nuclear Application in Medicine

6.1.17. Nuclear Application in Industry
6.1.18. Non destructive testing in concrete

6.2.

6.3.

International Training Courses

6.2.1.

Operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities

6.2.2.

Safety analysis

6.2.3.

Management course

6.2.4.

Radiation application

6.2.5.

Dissemination of nuclear knowledge

University Education (master’s degree / doctor’s degree)
6.3.1.

Same topic as in 6.1

7. CONCLUSION
7.1.

In conclusion, for the HRD project to make significant impact it needs to identify its own
niche. Something that is important and makes a difference to the present situation but that is
not covered under other cooperation programme namely IAEA/RCA and other FNCA
projects. The following are some suggestions:-

7.1.1.

Participation in events organized by national nuclear societies or associations

97.1.2.

Contributions in journals and bulletins published by national nuclear societies andassociations

7.1.3.

Programme for nuclear science youth clubs

7.1.4.

Exchange of e-learning materials, textbooks and course manuals among member
countries.

7.1.5.

Post-graduate studies.

10