UTAR inked MoU with MKH Berhad for research collaboration

UTAR and MKH Berhad entered a formal partnership to build their collaboration on research

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between UTAR and MKH Berhad on 13 July 2021 via Zoom. 

Under the MoU, both parties will initiate joint projects on collaborative research and share expertise in research relating to Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food Technology and Food Processing. UTAR and MKH Berhad will also exchange ideas and facilitate each other in research and curriculum development. Apart from research, UTAR will also assist MKH Berhad to look into the possibility of offering language, accounting and business courses in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

The signatories to the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and MKH Berhad Group Executive Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Chen Kooi Chiew. Witnessing the virtual signing ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and MKH Berhad Group Company Secretary Tan Wan San.

Also present at the event were MKH Berhad Plantation Director Dato’ Andy Lee, Property Director Dato’ Chong Yong Han, Deputy Property Director Dato’ Chen Way Kian, and distinguished guests from MKH Berhad, UTAR deans, directors and staff. 

Both parties will facilitate study visits by UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff members will enhance the learning experience and professional development. UTAR students will also be given the opportunity to undergo practical training at MKH Berhad. In addition, UTAR and MKH Berhad will jointly hold webinars, seminars, conferences, and workshops relevant to the industry. 

Prof Ewe expressing his appreciation to MKH Berhad and looking forward to working with them

In his remarks, Prof Ewe expressed the University’s commitment in conducting various researches which are beneficial to society. He said, “This signing ceremony will open doors to new opportunities between UTAR and MKH Berhad especially in the exchange of knowledge, experience and expertise relating to research activities in the fields of Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food Technology and Food Processing. UTAR believes that both staff and students must be connected with the industry for information exchanges and updates that will benefit our students when they seek employment later on. Students must stay relevant and constantly get the latest updates from the industry.”

Tan Sri Dato’ Alex Chen believes that the collaboration with UTAR will allow MKH Berhad to work towards a better future

On the other hand, Tan Sri Dato’ Alex Chen shared that the signing of this MoU marked a historical milestone for MKH Berhad. He said, “Our collaboration with UTAR allows MKH Berhad to move beyond properties and oil palm plantation into agriculture, food technology, manufacturing and education. UTAR is an excellent university with abundant experience in R&D and commercialisation. We believe that all our new ventures will be successful as we grow and empower each other in this journey.”

MKH Berhad is a public listed company that has established a prominent brand presence in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and East Kalimantan, Indonesia. As a distinguished property developer, the property portfolio of the Group comprises landed residentials, townships, and integrated high rises in the Klang Valley. As part of the diversification with an aim to create and deliver sustainable value to its shareholders, the Group ventured into oil palm cultivation in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, in 2008. The relocation of Indonesia’s new capital to East Kalimantan is expected to create new business opportunities and this augurs well for the Group. The Group’s other businesses include property investment, building materials trading and furniture manufacturing.