The memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between UTAR and ACO Tech Sdn Bhd, held on 13 April 2022 at Kampar Campus, marked another significant stride for UTAR in its university-industry collaboration.

The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and ACO Tech Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Li Pu. It was witnessed by ACO Tech Head of Business Goh Meng Kuan, ACO Tech Business Development Manager Olivia Yong Sin Yee, ACO Tech Marketing Manager Victoria Tan She Wern, ACO Tech Marketing Head Allysha Yvonne Juin, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, FEGT Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, FEGT Department of Electronic Engineering Head Dr Lee Yu Jen, Division of Community and International Networking Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi and staff.

Prof Ewe expressed thanks to ACO Tech for the support gained through this collaboration. “Today is a momentous day for UTAR and ACO Tech Sdn Bhd as we mark our first collaboration through this MoU signing ceremony. Therefore, allow me to thank ACO Tech for the opportunity to establish an industrial partnership to keep pace with global automotive innovations. This is truly another milestone for UTAR to be able to collaborate with ACO Tech, a smart mobility provider in Southeast Asia which principally involved in manufacturing and trading parts and accessories for motor vehicles and wireless telecommunications services, which enables students to acquire hands-on practical training and learning in a real work environment, and get insight on the real work culture of the industry.”

He added, “This MoU will benefit the students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, as they will gain the opportunity to apply classroom learning on practical issues when on the job, enhance their employability profile and industry working experience.”

Meanwhile, Li started his speech with a brief introduction about ACO Tech. He then continued to explain about Geely Auto Group’s strategic partnership with Proton, formed in 2017. He also mentioned that the group is currently focusing on the development of intelligent connected vehicle.

As the first localised connected car technology in Malaysia, Li elucidated that they focused on developing new connected car applications that provide innovative driving experiences, and shaping the urban lifestyle through innovative connected car applications and solutions, intelligent driving HD maps, big data, and IoT cloud. Its current software, the GKUI, has been a major part in selected Proton variants and models, namely X70, X50, Iriz and Persona.

After more than two years of development, Li mentioned that the company felt that it should look into the cultivation of local students, development of technology and technical reserves. Hence, the company became interested to collaborate with UTAR as it is much related to the automotive industry. Li also highlighted that the start of this collaboration will pave the way for more collaborative opportunities and the production of outstanding students from Malaysia to China.

The MoU aimed to facilitate joint projects involving collaborative research; sharing of expertise and joint development of research; exchange of ideas and facilities among parties, including attachment and mutual visits by staff members and mutual visits by the staff of parties.

Through the MoU, industrial study visits, industrial placement, internships for postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as employment opportunities in ACO Tech or within the group, will enable UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain industrial exposure that will enhance their learning experience, professional development and curriculum development. It would also provide a platform for the students to acquire skills that will give them a competitive advantage in their employment later on. Continuous awareness about ACO Tech will also be highlighted at UTAR through the various guest lectures, career talks, scholarships and projects.