UTAR forges collaboration with SRM IST through MoU

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between UTAR and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai (SRM IST), India was held via Zoom on 22 February 2022. 

The MoU was pre-signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and SRM IST Vice Chancellor Dr C. Muthamizhchelvan; the witnesses were UTAR former Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and SRM IST Registrar Dr S. Ponnusamy. 

UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, on behalf of the President, said, “Today’s MoU exchange exemplifies UTAR’s continuing efforts in forging international collaborations to inject internationalisation into research initiatives, teaching and learning for both staff and students. I believe with the combined expertise and resources from both parties, we will be able to share knowledge and expertise for a win-win partnership in research projects together.”

According to him, UTAR and SRM IST MoU will facilitate staff and student exchanges, mutual visits by staff for research, training, seminars, conferences, talks, lectures and workshops. These initiatives would be a great learning opportunity for students and academics to enhance their learning experience, professional development and curriculum development. In addition, the MoU will provide opportunities for mutual understanding of each other’s culture and language and provide a more global experience for students and staff. 

“Our students and staff would experience a brand-new culture, meet new people and grow as a person. It is a great way for students to expand their perspective and at the same time boost their employability in the future,” he said. 

On the other hand, Dr S Ponnusamy represented SRM IST Vice Chancellor to deliver his speech. In his remarks, he introduced the background and the achievements of the institution. He explained that the University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes such as programmes in engineering, management, medicine and health sciences, and agricultural sciences. “SRM IST is accredited with the utmost grade A++ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is granted graded autonomy as Category I university by University Grants Commission (UGC),” he said. 

“I expect the best for both universities. I also wish both of the teams can focus on research areas that are common among the engineering department of SRM IST and UTAR and start working on it,” said Dr S Ponnusamy, adding that societal and engineering problems can be altered through solutions provided by both parties. 

Also present at the event were SRM IST College of Engineering and Technology Dean Dr T. V. Gopal, Head of the Electronics and Communication Department Dr Shanthi Prince, Prof S. Malarvizhi from the Electronics and Communication Department; UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, FAM Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Ling Lloyd, LKC FES Assoc Prof Ts Dr Ezra Morris Abraham Gnanamuthu, Division of Community and International Networking Director (DCInterNet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and DCInterNet Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi.