MoU exchange ceremony with Deakin University

UTAR and Deakin University from Australia exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) via Zoom on 21 September 2021 to establish collaboration with one another.

The signatories for the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Deakin University Pro Vice Chancellor for International Research Partnership Prof Bas Baskaran. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and Deakin University Manager of International Research Partnerships Helen Woodall.

Prof Ewe (left) and Prof Bas Baskaran (right) during the MoU exchange ceremony

Prof Ewe expressed, “Research identifies, clarifies, advances and assesses new knowledge, concepts, and technologies that are critical to society’s and humanity’s future success. I am glad to note that with the signing of this MoU, UTAR and Deakin University will work together to initiate collaborative research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, IoT and Big Data; Cyber Security; Environment and Green technology; Power systems and renewable energy. By combining expertise and resources from both parties, we will be able to expand the breadth of the research and maximise its impact which response to the academic and social needs.”

“This MoU will promote mutual understanding and cooperation, leading to more exciting and mutually beneficial outcomes. Let us play our roles and work together towards a better future. I look forward to progressing our partnership with positive results in the near future,” he added.

On behalf of Deakin University, Prof Bas Baskaran said, “The key interest of Deakin University to partner with UTAR is the progressive nature of the institution. Deakin University focuses very much on its impact themes; we have identified five impact themes across the university to provide education and research. The themes include “advancing society, culture and the economy”, “building safe and secured communities”, “creating smarter technologies”, “enabling a sustainable world” and “improving health and wellbeing”. All these themes are multidisciplinary and translational research focus.”

He added, “We are very glad and excited to have this collaborative programme with UTAR and we are looking forward to this collaboration to provide lots of benefits for community, researchers and students as well.”  

Through this MoU, both parties will produce joint publications and collaborate on basic and applied research, including joint project development and grant applications. Aside from that, UTAR will team up with Deakin University to work on joint PhD supervision and/or joint PhD programmes and provide postgraduate research and industrial research training. Under the collaboration, UTAR and Deakin University will also develop a proposal for a joint research centre. These initiatives would be a great learning opportunity for students and academics to enhance their learning experience, professional development and curriculum development.

Also present at the virtual ceremony were Deakin University Deakin International Office Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) John Molony, Deakin University Associate Director-Research for Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation Prof Chee Peng Lim, Deakin University Associate Director-Research for Institute for Frontier Materials Associate Prof Daniel Fabijanic, Deakin University Associate Head of School-International of School of Information Technology Assoc Prof Xiao Liu, Deakin University Associate Head of School-International of School of Engineering Assoc Prof Dr Susan Ang, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof  Dr Yong Thian Khok, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Faculty of Science Dean Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, DCInterNet Deputy Director of Kampar Campus Dr Chen I-Chi, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Lo Po Kim, UTAR staff and other distinguished guests from Deakin University.

MoU exchange ceremony between UTAR and Deakin University

 

A group photo at the end of the virtual signing ceremony