Shah Alam, 21 March 2022 – The rapid pace of technological change has led to the latest collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and 18 industry partners through the signing of eight (8) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and 10 Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today.
Through the Office of Industry, Alumni and Community Network (ICAN), College of Engineering Studies, UiTM and its 18 partners now have more opportunities to enhance expertise among staff members, as well as strengthen, promote and expand collaboration in innovation and research.
This collaboration in various fields include defence, 3D printing technology, pharmaceuticals, Internet of Things (IoT), rocket technology, timber, manufacturing and construction. Among others, it involves student internships, graduate employment, joint application for national and international grants, joint supervision of research students, collaborative problem solving, consultation, commercialisation and technology transfer.
The 18 industries are AA 3D Shop, AANS Technical and Services Sdn Bhd, Al Aafiyah International Sdn Bhd, Cybersecurity Sdn Bhd, 3D Gens Sdn Bhd, EMB Business Sdn Bhd, Ex Energy Sdn Bhd, Kreatif Apps Sdn Bhd, Lembaga Perindustrian Kayu Malaysia, Malaysia Timber Council (MTC), MTC Defense Sdn Bhd, Nextgreen Pulp and Paper Sdn Bhd, Pebble3D Sdn Bhd, Rivo Builder Sdn Bhd, Selia Tek Holdings Sdn Bhd, Selangor Human Resources Development Center (SHRDC), Summit Features Sdn Bhd and Techkem Group.
The MoU was signed by UiTM’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, College of Engineering Studies, YBhg. Prof. Sr. Ir. Dr Suhaimi Abdul Talib and representatives from the 18-industry partners. Prof. Suhaimi represented UiTM Vice-Chancellor, YBhg. Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr Roziah Janor. In attendance to witness the signing was Prof. Dr Hamidah Mohd Saman, Dean of ICAN.
Prof. Suhaimi said, “Through the UiTM2025 strategic plan, the university aims to achieve global excellence based on two (2) strategic themes involving Translational Research Development, Innovation and Commercialisation (TRDIC), and Industry, Community and Alumni Smart Partnership (ICASP). ICASP serves as a smart collaboration platform for high-impact MoU and MoA initiatives by leveraging not only on the synergies of collaboration between universities and industries, but also creating a holistic ecosystem geared towards solutions to societal issues in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
The transfer of such expertise and technology is crucial to produce a competitive society and future graduates who have the right skills, abilities and values. Thus, a strong commitment from all partners will result in more extensive quality cooperation in high-impact fields, especially when faced with the challenges of Industrial Revolution 4.0.