True innovation is not born overnight—it is nurtured from the roots and guided to flourish. At the School of Computing, we believe that the foundation of an innovative ecosystem must be established at the undergraduate level, not just at the postgraduate stage. Why? Because the seeds of curiosity, creativity, and bold experimentation are best planted early, when minds are fresh, eager, and open to new possibilities.
In 2021, after returning from seven transformative years in Japan, I initiated a bold effort to instill a culture of innovation among our undergraduate students. Japan’s profound commitment to innovation inspired me deeply, and I recognized the need to emulate that ethos by cultivating young talent at the grassroots level. Over the past three years, this vision has gained momentum. I have witnessed a significant shift—students are now not just participants but active drivers of innovation.
These young talents are remarkable. Their energy, potential, and ambition are raw, like uncut diamonds. And it is our responsibility—as mentors, educators, and leaders—to shape and refine them, guiding them to achieve greatness. By fostering this culture at the undergraduate level, we are creating a pipeline of innovators who will continue to thrive and lead as postgraduates, ensuring the School of Computing remains at the forefront of academic and technological excellence.This grassroots approach has already made our innovation culture more inclusive and dynamic. It is no longer confined to isolated projects or individuals but has become a shared vision across our community. I believe that if we continue on this path, the School of Computing at UUM will soon become a hub of groundbreaking ideas—a place where we not only prepare students for the future but also create it.
Looking ahead, I see the potential to transform Sintok into a “Tech Valley,” a thriving ecosystem where academic brilliance meets real-world innovation. This dream is within our reach, but it starts here, with us. By inspiring and empowering our students today, we are shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Let us carry this mission forward and build something extraordinary, together.
This journey has never been about me—it’s about us. It’s about every individual who dares to dream big, who watches from a distance and envisions a brighter future, longing to create meaningful change. True change doesn’t come from external forces; it starts from within. It begins with a spark—an unshakable desire to make things better, to push boundaries, and to challenge the status quo.
As we step into 2025, we must move beyond mere ideas and conversations. Talking about change without the right actions and strategies leads nowhere. It’s time for Sintok Tech to evolve from being just a vision into a tangible reality. This is the year for action, the year where innovation takes root and begins to thrive.
Even if we start small, what matters most is that we start. Small yet impactful steps, driven by thoughtful strategy and determination, have the power to grow into something far greater than what we initially imagined. Every action, no matter how modest, adds momentum to a movement that can redefine what’s possible. The journey ahead requires courage, persistence, and collective effort. Together, we are building more than a technological hub; we are crafting a legacy that will inspire generations. This is not just about ideas anymore—it’s about transforming them into reality, moving forward with conviction, and achieving something extraordinary. Sintok Tech is no longer a dream. It’s our mission, and we are ready to make it happen. Let’s go for it.
To those who believe in our initiative, we warmly invite you to join and support us. Our hands and hearts are open, ready to welcome you on this journey.
-Dr.Sabri, Senior Lecturer at School of computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia & the Fellow members of Human Center Computing laboratory, UUM
Get to know about our team at our website;
https://drstrangeshibaura.wixsite.com/sabriresearchlab