Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is establishing a Chair in Creative
Industries with the sponsorship of RM1.25 million from Star Foundation, the
charity arm of Star Publications ( Malaysia ) Berhad. The significant tie-up
between UTAR and Star Foundation to establish the Star Foundation Professor
of Creative Industries was sealed with an agreement signing and presentation
of a mock cheque ceremony held on 13 July 2009 at UTAR Petaling Jaya campus.
The agreement was signed by UTAR President Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Chuah
Hean Teik and Star Foundation Chairman Dato' Dr. Mohd Aminuddin Rouse.
Witnesses for the agreement were UTAR Dean of the Faculty of Creative
Industries Assistant Professor Dr. Carmen Nge Siew Mun and Star Group Chief
Editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
The Minister of Transport Malaysia , Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat was also present
for the momentous occasion. Dato' Sri Ong said, "As a fast growing nation,
there is an increasing need for our country not to rely solely on
traditional industries such as the manufacturing and construction industries
but also to source for other means of income and opportunities to boost our
economic growth. Over the recent years, there seemed to be an emerging field
in our country, aptly known as the Creative Industries."
"In order to advance in this field and to gain competitive and creative
edge, Malaysians have to be active creators of content in the creative
industries and to critically engage with existing contents available
globally," Dato' Sri Ong added. He said, "Research and development in the
area of creative industries is an excellent way to harness and to encourage
ideas with local expression and critical intellectual input."
The Chair will be established under the Faculty of Creative Industries in
UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus. The main objective of the Chair is to develop and
achieve excellence in the research, development, education and training in
the field of creative industries. Besides that, the Chair serves to promote
exchange of technical expertise; to facilitate and organise a range of
activities for the advancement of the creative industries, and to set up and
run specific creative industries projects.
During his speech, Prof. Chuah said, "Research is central to the mission of
UTAR. However, research needs substantial funding and highly committed
experts. I am glad to highlight that this Chair is indeed timely to enable
the appointment of an excellent expert to lead research and development in
the field of creative industries."
"Today's landmark collaboration with Star Foundation is one of the many
initiatives taken in realising new visions of research in UTAR. Other
initiatives include bringing together several research groups across the
University under a refined focus on areas of research which are of emerging
relevance and importance to Malaysia and beyond," Prof. Chuah added.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Dato' Dr. Mohd Aminuddin and the management of Star Publications for their valuable support and confidence in UTAR.
(From left) Dato' Dr. Mohd Aminuddin, Dato' Sri Ong, Prof. Chuah and Dr. Nge at the signing ceremony.
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