SERDANG, 30 July 2026 – The ASPutra Reading Chamber continues to be strengthened as a creative, interactive and sustainable space for knowledge cultivation through various initiatives carried out by the staff and students of the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (ASPutra).

These efforts were highlighted through the ASPutra Reading Chamber Judging Programme, which was held on 30 July 2026 at the ASPutra Reading Chamber, ASASI 1. The programme aimed to assess the creativity, innovation and effectiveness of the Reading Chamber in promoting a culture of reading and learning among the ASPutra community. 

The judging session was conducted by Puan Samsida Samsudin, Head of Section/Librarian, and Puan Erni Suraya Abdul Aziz, Librarian. During the session, Puan Rahiza Abu Hanipah, Advisor of the ASPutra Reading Chamber, presented the concept, implementation and initiatives undertaken to enliven the ASPutra Reading Chamber. Puan Noor Liana binti Sulaiman, Chairperson of the ASPutra Reading Chamber, was also present to provide support for the implementation and development of the Reading Chamber. 

BOOK REVIEW SESSION

One of the key initiatives highlighted was the “Bedah Buku @ Reading Chamber ASPutra” programme, which is conducted periodically. The programme provides a platform for the ASPutra community and students to share their selected books, as well as their insights, knowledge and lessons gained from their reading.

This approach transforms the Reading Chamber from merely a place for reading into a space for knowledge sharing and interaction among the ASPutra community. 

Among the book review sessions conducted were “Kekuatan Kepimpinan” by Dr. Jamali Janib, Senior Assistant Registrar of ASPutra, “Trust Me, I’m a (Junior) Doctor” by David Kee, an ASPutra student, and “Masa Peliharalah”, presented by Puan Noor Ashira Binti Yusran, Agriculture Unit Lecturer.

The implementation of these sessions demonstrates ASPutra’s commitment to ensuring that the Reading Chamber is actively utilised and becomes an integral part of the learning ecosystem within ASPutra. 

NOTABA: INNOVATION THROUGH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

In terms of creativity and innovation, ASPutra also introduced NOTABA, an abbreviation for “Nota Bamboo”, as one of the unique elements incorporated into the management and decoration of the Reading Chamber.

The innovation utilises bamboo and reused ropes as its main materials. The use of natural and reusable materials not only helps to reduce costs, but also creates a simple, neat and distinctive decorative element. 

The development of NOTABA also reflects the incorporation of sustainability and reuse practices in the development of the ASPutra Reading Chamber. This initiative demonstrates that creativity does not necessarily require high expenditure, as readily available and used materials can be transformed into something meaningful and functional. 

ASSESSMENT BASED ON FIVE KEY CRITERIA

The ASPutra Reading Chamber judging was based on five key criteria: Activities (45 marks), Creativity and Innovation (30 marks), Promotion (10 marks), Implementation Impact (10 marks), and External Collaboration with UPM (5 marks).

The combination of reading-related activities, innovations using reused materials and community involvement reflects ASPutra’s efforts to develop a reading space that is not only visually appealing but also serves educational, social and sustainability functions.

This initiative is in line with ASPutra’s efforts to create a conducive, creative and meaningful learning environment, while fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning among the ASPutra community. 

Guided by the theme “READ, EXPLORE, EXCEL”, the ASPutra Reading Chamber is envisioned as a space that encourages the ASPutra community to read, explore new knowledge, share ideas and strive for excellence.

The initiative demonstrates that a reading space can become more meaningful when driven by consistent activities, continuous creativity and innovations that incorporate sustainability principles. 

It is hoped that the ASPutra Reading Chamber will be fully utilised by the entire ASPutra community as a space for reading, knowledge sharing and exploring new knowledge. In line with this aspiration, the ASPutra Reading Chamber Committee will continue to plan various engaging and beneficial activities to ensure that the space remains vibrant and relevant as part of the learning ecosystem at ASPutra. 

Prepared by:
Wan Nur Atikah Wan Mohd Adnan
ASPutra Reading Chamber Committee

Date of Input: 11/08/2026 | Updated: 11/08/2026 | hasniah