UTAR and Fourier Intelligence ink MoU to advance in rehabilitation technologies

Aimed to facilitate research in rehabilitation technology, UTAR and Fourier Intelligence signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) via Zoom on 01 October 2021.

Under the collaboration, UTAR and Fourier Intelligence will work together to initiate joint projects involving collaborative research in the field of rehabilitation technologies.

The signing ceremony was held online to commemorate the collaboration between both parties. UTAR was represented by its President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Fourier Intelligence was represented by its General Manager Mr Owen Teoh. Also present to witness the virtual signing ceremony were Fourier Intelligence Co-Founder and Global Hub Chief Executive Officer Mr Zen Koh, Fourier Intelligence Senior Manager for Business Development Mr Even Koh, Fourier Intelligence Senior Manager for Clinical Application and Research Ms Sarah Lim and Fourier Intelligence Senior Manager for Product Management Mr Jake Kee.

Staff from UTAR included Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Dean of Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, FMHS Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, FMHS Head of Clinical Physiotherapy Programme K. Premala, LKC FES Asst Prof of Department of Mechatronics and BioMedical Engineering Dr Goh Choon Hian, Director of Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Ong Soo Weon, Deputy Director of DCInterNet Dr Chen, I-Chi, and UTAR staff.

Welcoming Fourier Intelligence into UTAR’s MoU fraternity of more than 500 international and local partners, Prof Ewe said that the collaborative initiatives explored through the MoU will be mutually beneficial to both parties.

“On behalf of UTAR, I would like to express my gratitude to Fourier Intelligence for giving us this opportunity to explore collaborations in the development of exoskeleton and rehabilitation robotics. Under this MoU, we will be able to facilitate exchanges of ideas and facilities, as well as industrial study visits of our students and staff, which is important for enhancing their learning experience and professional development. This will also enable us to gain insights into the industry, which is important for ensuring that our programmes remain relevant to the advances of the industry,” enthused Prof Ewe, who also expressed his delight that the MoU will allow FMHS and LKC FES to share knowledge and expertise, as well as establish possible collaborative research and development projects.

Lauding UTAR as a prominent and progressive university with enormous achievements, Mr Teoh said, “We are very honoured to be at this signing ceremony today and also look forward to working with UTAR to promote accessibility and adoption of rehabilitation technology.”

Introducing Fourier Intelligence as a technology-driven company, infusing creativity into the development of exoskeleton and rehabilitation robotics since 2015, Mr Teoh added, “Throughout the last three years, Fourier Intelligence has established its installation of technology into 54 economies worldwide. We have also been signing MoUs and expanding our research collaborations with various renowned institutions in the world. Today, we are very excited to partner with UTAR with the collaboration scope on developing talent, promote education of rehabilitation technology as well as enhance and collaborate in the research of engineering and technology development of rehabilitation and medical technology. With that, we believe that the impact that we are going to create would certainly contribute to the community and the health-care industry.”

He continued, “With our extension office in Kuala Lumpur, we do look forward to working together with faculties in UTAR for the purpose of talent development, research and education as well as organise more webinars to promote awareness and also insights on rehabilitation technologies.”

The ceremony reached its highlight with the virtual presentation of the MoU documents signed by Prof Ewe and Mr Teoh.