UTAR Establishing Chair in Environmental Engineering and Green Technology

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is establishing its second endowed Chair with the sponsorship of RM1.25 million from S P Setia Berhad. The agreement between UTAR and S P Setia to establish the S P Setia Professor of Environmental Engineering and Green Technology was sealed at a signing ceremony held on 5 June 2009 at S P Setia Welcome Centre in Shah Alam.

The agreement was signed by UTAR Vice President Associate Professor Dr. Yeoh Suan Pow and S P Setia Group President and CEO Tan Sri Dato' Sri Liew Kee Sin. Witnesses for the agreement were UTAR Registrar Dr. Tan Kee Kong and S P Setia Executive Vice President Khor Chap Jen.

Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting was also present to grace the momentous occasion and share his views on environment preservation.

The Chair will be established under the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology in UTAR Perak Campus. The objectives of the Chair are to develop and achieve excellence in the research, development, education and training in the field of environmental engineering and green technology as well as to promote exchange of technical expertise.

In addition, the Chair aims to facilitate and organise a range of activities in advancing environmental engineering and green technology industry; to collaborate with government, industry and organisations in the promotion of environmental engineering and green technology to the nation; to establish and implement specific environmental engineering and green technology projects as well as to establish and complement a stronger pool of expertise consisting of both academia and industrial representatives to provide consultancy.

In her speech, Dr. Yeoh 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 a renowned expert to lead research and development in the area of environmental engineering and green technology."

She added, "Today's landmark collaboration with S P Setia 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 which focus on areas of research which are of emerging relevance and importance to Malaysia and beyond."

She also extended her sincere appreciation to S P Setia Group Managing Director and CEO Tan Sri Dato' Sri Liew Kee Sin and the management of S P Setia for their valuable support and confidence in UTAR.