MoU with UMT to promote educational and research collaboration

A group photo of UTAR and UMT after the signing ceremony

UTAR and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 6 January 2022 via Cisco Webex to promote bilateral educational and research activities.

Signing the MoU on behalf of UTAR was its President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat while UMT was represented by its Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mazlan Abd Ghaffar. The signing ceremony was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman and UMT Pro Vice Chancellor for Corporate Affairs and Industrial Linkages Prof Dr Fauziah Abu Hasan.

Prof Ewe and Prof Mazlan (right) delivering their speech

In his remarks, Prof Ewe said, “With the signing of this MoU, UTAR and UMT will collaborate and share expertise on joint research projects as well as facilitate and undertake the knowledge transfer programmes for the community and industry. We will broaden the scope of study and maximise its impact by combining knowledge and expertise from academia and industry. UTAR and UMT will also take the initiative to organise conferences, seminars and workshops that are relevant to the industry. Aside from that, we will work together to develop the entrepreneurship programme and facilitate research attachment programmes for staff and students.”

He added, “Through this MoU, both parties will facilitate student and staff exchange programmes. These initiatives would be a great learning opportunity for students and staff to enhance their learning experience, professional development and curriculum development. UTAR is pleased with this collaboration to jointly organise University Social Responsibility (USR) projects.” He also mentioned some collaborative activities that were carried out with UMT and other universities such as the Aquaculture Project and “Readiness of Rural Entrepreneur Towards E-Commerce” project.

Meanwhile, Prof Mazlan, while addressing his speech at the signing ceremony, said, “The collaboration between UMT and UTAR started in early 2020 with the first visitation from UTAR delegation led by Prof Ts Faidz. Following the visit, online discussions were conducted to discuss potential collaboration between both parties which resulted in the research collaboration agreement (RCA) between UMT, UTAR, UPSI, and UUM involving the research and knowledge transfer project titled ‘Transforming the Lake K11 at UTAR Campus through sustainable fish farming’. The main objective of this project is to transform Lake K11 at UTAR Kampar Campus for sustainable fish farming leading towards start-up commercialisation. Today, the occasion will further strengthen the collaboration between UMT and UTAR to the next level. It is hoped that this will lead to the sharing of research, knowledge transfer, teaching and learning as well as resources that will fulfil our obligation toward stakeholders.” He also talked about some collaborations such as the e-fulfilment centre in UMT, entrepreneurship programme for staff and students, research attachment, exchange programme, and USR projects.

He mentioned that the collaboration with UTAR was in line with the global aspiration through sustainable development goals (SDGs). “The relationship between UTAR and UMT has spanned for two years already. I hope this collaboration will continue for a longer time,” he said.

The event continued with a discussion on the ongoing and possible collaboration between both parties. Among the topics discussed were Fish Farming Project, e-Fulfilment Centre, joint seminar, as well as discussion on upcoming projects such as STEM Education, Jungle School Project, Tourism Heritage, e-Commerce, and USR projects.

Also present at the event were deans, directors, academicians and staff from UMT and UTAR.