Joint seminar with KMUTNB to explore research collaboration

A joint seminar between UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) and the Department of Chemical Engineering of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand was held online via Zoom on 6 August 2021.

This joint seminar served as a platform for both institutions to exchange information as well as to discuss potential collaboration in research areas such as biofuel, waste-to-energy and chemicals.

From left: Dr Lai and Dr Udomkiat Nontakaew delivering their opening remarks

Speaking at the event, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn said, “UTAR has collaborated with KMUTNB since 1 August 2012. It has been almost nine years. UTAR and KMUTNB have collaborated in many student mobility programmes such as student exchange programmes, internship programmes, study tours and others. In mid-February this year, both international offices from UTAR and KMUTNB had the first online meeting, discussing possible collaboration on student mobility programme, virtual seminar and also webinar. Although the pandemic has stopped all physical international activities, this cannot deter our initiative to promote international culture, language, knowledge and exchange among staff and students, including the public.”

He mentioned that the latest technology has made it possible to have virtual communication, and all the collaboration discussed in the first online meeting have been implemented in an orderly manner.

On the other hand, KMUTNB Dean of Faculty of Engineering Assoc Prof Dr Udomkiat Nontakaew expressed his confidence that the joint seminar will enhance the collaboration between KMUTNB and LKC FES to another level. “On behalf of the Faculty of Engineering at KMUTNB, I will surely support the research activities. I hope this seminar will create valuable research and innovation for our society,” he said.

From left: Dr Mah and Dr Chaiwat Prapainainar giving an introduction about their respective university and faculty

In order to enhance mutual understanding and establish a common interest between both institutions, UTAR LKC FES Head of Department of Chemical Engineering Dr Mah Shee Keat and KMUTNB Department of Chemical Engineering Head of Chemical Engineering Department Assoc Prof Dr Chaiwat Prapainainar gave an introduction about their respective university and faculty.

The seminar then continued with a sharing session by eight academics from the Department of Chemical Engineering of both institutions on their research and area of interest. They were UTAR Centre for Photonics and Advanced Materials Research Chairperson Dr Steven Lim, Dr Wong Kam Huei, Dr Ong Ying Hui, Dr Pang Yean Ling, Dr Sim Lan Ching; KMUTNB Dr Chantaraporn Phalakornkule, Dr Suchata Kirdponpattara and Dr Santi Chuetor.

A discussion was held between the academics on potential collaborations after the sharing session. Both parties agreed that the discussion will be followed up and improved through further communication and activities for both institutions. Among the possible collaborations discussed were webinars for undergraduate/postgraduate students, virtual internship programmes, cyber classrooms, collaborative research and others.

The academics from both institutions presented their research area during the sharing session