Bringing Online Learning to Life at Universiti Geomatika Malaysia
Universiti Geomatika Malaysia (UGM), situated in Kuala Lumpur, has carved out a reputation as a forward-looking institution that embraces innovation in education. With a strong focus on applied sciences, business, and technology, UGM has long understood that success in higher education means merging academic excellence with modern learning platforms. However, as demand for engaging, flexible, and accessible learning environments grew, they ran into a familiar challenge — making the shift from a resource-intensive, in-house LMS setup to a reliable, scalable, cloud-based system.
The Challenge of Modernising a Fragile LMS Infrastructure
Like many institutions juggling multiple responsibilities, UGM had been managing its Moodle™ software platform internally. But this setup came with a few headaches — server maintenance strain, outdated interfaces, and scalability concerns. The in-house LMS wasn’t cutting it anymore, especially as more students and educators began relying heavily on digital tools for daily learning activities. Add to that the need for better interactivity, brand consistency, and administrative ease — it was time for a change.
Moving to the Cloud — What Pukunui Brought to the Table
UGM partnered with Pukunui to support the full migration and enhancement of their Moodle™ software platform. The plan? Move from their in-house server to our cloud hosting on the Moodle™ platform — removing the hassle of infrastructure management — and bring in improvements that would make learning smoother and more impactful.
We kicked off the project with a full, free-of-charge migration of their Moodle™ site. That included transporting user data, course content, and essential configurations while ensuring uptime continuity. We then upgraded them to the latest supported version of the Moodle™ software (with plugin compatibility in mind).
On top of the behind-the-scenes upgrades, we introduced essential tools and plugins tailored to their academic environment. Among them:
- Custom certificates for automated assessment recognition
- Integration with video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet
- Gamification features to boost engagement
- Attendance tracking and configurable reports
Brand identity also matters — especially for students navigating the platform daily. So, we worked with UGM to implement a custom-designed Moodle™ theme using the Edumy premium theme. Our team adapted this theme to match UGM’s existing visual identity, incorporating colours, logos, and layouts that reflect their institutional branding guidelines. It’s amazing what the right shades of red, pink and blue can do to make a login screen feel twice as inviting.
Training That’s More Than Just Button-Clicking
Refining a platform is one thing — ensuring it’s used effectively is another. That’s why we delivered rich, hands-on learning through both online and face-to-face sessions. We started by offering two hours of administrative training to get their site admins up to speed during the transition. Later, in 2024, we conducted an in-person full-day course at UGM’s Kuala Lumpur campus for 15 participants, focused on instructional design principles and the powerful H5P interactive content tools.
The course tackled everything from the ADDIE model in eLearning to creating highly engaging course presentations and interactive books within the Moodle™ software. Not only did we empower educators to design engaging courses, but we also taught them how to assess the effectiveness of their content — closing the loop between teaching strategies and student outcomes.
Why a Moodle™-Based Platform Makes Sense for UGM
For a university like UGM — which offers diverse programs across multiple disciplines — having a centralized, flexible LMS isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s foundational. The Moodle™ software platform is modular, customizable, and open-source — giving educators the freedom to build learning experiences tailored to their students. More importantly, it ensures students can access resources anytime, anywhere — a critical feature for modern learners juggling assignments, part-time work, and, occasionally, their sleep schedules.
By integrating tools like H5P, and virtual conferencing directly into their LMS, UGM now supports richer interaction, better assessment, and more engaging experiences — all while reducing the administrative burden typically involved in running an LMS solo.
Keeping Things Stable and Supported
UGM’s Moodle™ platform was set up under our cloud hosting — a plan designed with large institutions in mind. That includes daily backups, ongoing plugin installations at no extra cost, unlimited support requests (within reason — we do like to sleep), and Moodle™ upgrades upon request.
The move to a hosted LMS solution also came with consistency — something their IT department silently cheers about now. The setup accommodates their users comfortably, with infrastructure on standby to grow as needed. Basically, they’re online, on-brand, and on-point.
Looking Ahead
With these systems now in place, UGM has a compelling digital foundation to support its educational goals in the coming years. Whether expanding course offerings, enhancing content with AI tools, or linking more workflows into their LMS — the road forward is clearer and more manageable.
We’re grateful to have worked with the team at Universiti Geomatika Malaysia — passionate educators with a clear vision for where they’re headed in digital learning. They’re proof that with the right tools and guidance, upgrading an LMS isn’t a headache — it’s an opportunity.
Need to modernise your LMS setup?
Whether you’re looking to migrate your Moodle™ platform, overhaul your training content, or give your LMS a brand refresh — Pukunui can help. Get in touch with our team today and let’s chat about your next step in online learning.
