A group photograph to mark the end of the discussion

A meeting was conducted among the UTAR researchers, KL Automation Engineering (KLAE) Sdn Bhd, Eaton MTL, and Industrial Automation (M) Sdn Bhd on 22 June 2017 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

Present at the meeting on behalf of KLAE Sdn Bhd were its Director Kuan Teik Hua, Marketing Manager Johnson Wong Mun Poh and Rosalia Ahmad. Also in attendance were Eaton MTL Regional Sales Director Simon Westwood-Marsh and Industry Automation (M) Sdn Bhd General Manager Chin Kim Wah.

They were warmly welcomed by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Centre for Vehicular Technology Chairperson Dr Chew Kuew Wai, Prof Ir Dr Lim Yun Seng, Assoc Prof Dr Stella Morris, Dr Chua Kein Huat, and lecturer King Yeong Jin.

The meeting commenced with a presentation of the UTAR corporate video and continued with a discussion on the potential collaboration area such as consultancy, Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) approved training, research and development (R&D), and laboratory.

After giving a brief introduction about UTAR, Prof Goi said, “As the technology evolves too fast, the only possible way is to change and keep on changing. Therefore, we hope to work with the industry in order to check out the latest of technology, expectation and demand from the industry. We are looking forward to have a very close collaboration with the industry, not only for R&D but also for teaching.”

In order to enhance the communication, collaboration and coherence between the involved parties, Simon and Kuan, respectively, provided an overview of their company’s background and also gave a presentation about the products and services they offered. Apart from that, various technical issues, especially for the area of lightning and surge protection in the hazardous area, were discussed. Also highlighted during the discussion was the plan to explore the possibility of setting up an Expert Team of Lightning Surge and Hazardous Area Protection Technology.

Kuan, who is also a UTAR alumni for the Master of Engineering (Electrical) programme, made a contribution of RM20,000 to kick-start the plan. He mooted the idea to collaborate with UTAR for the area of lightening and surge protection in the hazardous area, as it could provide more benefits by involving multidiscipline team. 

On the other hand, Prof Chuah expressed his concern regarding the training area and said, “We don’t know what kind of graduates and engineers are needed in the next five years. So, don’t aim to train ready-for-the-market kind of engineers as we do not know what kind of industry may come up in the future. What you should train is the ready-to-evolve kind of engineers.

The discussion then ended with a presentation of mock-up cheque worth RM20,000 to Prof Chuah by Kuan, followed by the exchange of souvenirs and photo taking session.

Kuan giving a mock cheque to Prof Chua

Prof Chua (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Simon (right)

Prof Chua (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Kuan (right)