MoU with INO Nature

From left: Dr Khoo, Dr Yen Nee, Dr Chen, Dr Tee, Dr Sit, Dr Wong, Dr Lim, Dr Nor Ismaliza, Prof Lee, Dr Gim Cheong, Gee Shyang, Ong, Ghee Chong, Chew, Tan and Dr Loh

The collaborative efforts between UTAR and INO Nature Sdn Bhd expanded when they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 8 December 2017 at Kampar Campus.

Representing INO Nature was Managing Director Saw Gee Shyang and was accompanied by Saw Ghee Chong, Louise Chew, James Ong and Susan Tan Shok Cheng from the Business Development Department.

The delegates were welcomed by UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei representing UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Division of Community and International Networking Deputy Director Dr Chen I-Chi, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Gideon Khoo, R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Dr Phoon Lee Quen, Student Development and Industrial Training Deputy Dean Dr Sit Nam Weng, Department of Biological Science Head Dr Nor Ismaliza binti Mohd Ismail, Department of BioMedical Science Head Dr Tan Gim Cheong, Department of Agricultural and Food Science Head Dr Tan Yen Nee, Assoc Prof Dr Wong Hann Ling, Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang and Dr Loh Pek Chin.

“For the past two to three years, INO Nature has been working together with us (FSc) and has been very patient with us, especially when certain research results were not optimistic. We are very grateful to them for being so supportive and that has enabled us to work together even more closely. We appreciate the trust and patience given to us,” expressed Dr Wong.

On the same note, Dr Loh added “Throughout the years, we also had consultancy projects with INO Nature’s partners and it was a good opportunity for us to form good networks with each other. It is also with these projects that the academics can be exposed to and is able to understand the demands or needs of the industry.”

With the aim to enhance collaborations between the institutions, Prof Lee spoke of the MoU as a good example of how universities can work together with the industries and mentioned that UTAR will offer full support to help improve the industry.

“UTAR as a comprehensive University has always been very supportive towards collaborations with the industries. It is important that through these collaborations, UTAR can play its role to support the industry in mutually beneficial activities. We certainly look forward to receiving feedback that can help improve the industry and also having fruitful discussion among us,” said Prof Lee.

Under the MoU, both institutions will share expertise and joint development in the research field and have expressed particular interest on conducting a research to evaluate the effect of the biofertilizers in different crop plants.

Other activities such as seminars, workshops and conferences will also be jointly organised, with the aim to enhance the exchange of ideas and facilities for research and curriculum development purpose. It is believed that these activities will also provide staff and students with important insights and latest information from the industry.

Opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience, professional development, curriculum development and industrial placement are also outlined in the MoU, which will see the facilitation of industrial study visits by staff members, provided to the undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Towards the end of the ceremony, the MoUs and souvenirs were exchanged and later saw a discussion with FSc on other potential research collaborations.

Prof Lee delivering his welcome remarks 

 From left: Prof Lee and Ghee Shyang exchanging the MoUs and souvenir