It was a lively atmosphere at the opening ceremony of the 2023 MonsoonSIM Enterprise Resource Management Competition (MERMC) International Grand Final, and International Youth Development Conference (IYDC) 2023, held on 30 November 2023 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The opening ceremony was graced by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Sdn Bhd Senior Manager for Talent & Capability (tertiary) Mr Nik Hishamuddin Nik Mohd Yusoff, representing Director of MDEC Ts Nik Naharudin bin Mohd Nasir; President of UTAR and ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat; Director of Infusion Mr Alex Ong; Deputy Dean of School of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence of GuangXi University of Finance and Economics (GUFE) Assoc Prof Hu Xiaochun; and China Computer Federation (CCF, Nanning Branch) Executive Committee Mr Yao Xingji. Also present were Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, FICT Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training and Organising Chairperson Dr Choo Peng Yin, UTAR staff, UTAR students, and guests.

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “This year, UTAR in collaboration with ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), China Computer Federation (CCF, Nanning Branch), GuangXi University of Finance and Economics (GUFE), and Infusion Information Technology Sdn Bhd is proud to host the 2023 MERMC and IYDC. This unique collaboration promises to unite the two exceptional events, creating an enriching experience for all participants. As an educational institution, UTAR understands the importance of learning and we appreciate the various learning platforms made available to our students, and MERMC has always been well embraced. Our students have participated at least four times in the previous competitions, and we emerged as the national and regional champion in MERMC 2018.”

He also added, “IYDC 2023, which comes back physical for the first time after the pandemic, aims to present the latest developments in AI (artificial intelligence), enhance a dialogue on what AI means for humans and what needs to be done to make AI beneficial for humanity. The annual conference also aims to provide a platform for students and youths to discuss and share ideas about what GPT is able to do. IYDC provides a platform for students and youths to excel, gain recognition, and expand their professional network. It is an opportunity for participants to showcase their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork on a global stage, while fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendship among participants from diverse backgrounds. As a university “by the people, for the people”, UTAR has always believed in community engagement and enriching activities not only for the students in the university but also for the public community. This conference is very relevant in the current context of AI. I hope this conference will provide a platform for dialogue and discussions among the youths on how AI affects employment, skills, productivity, and innovation.”

Mr Alex Ong, Assoc Prof Hu, and Mr Yao also delivered their welcome speech and expressed their delight to see the overwhelming support from participants. Their speeches also highlighted the importance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), AI, computational application, and innovation in this digital world. They encouraged participants to explore these aspects to understand better the integration and connection of the digital economy.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) documents between UTAR and seven companies, namely IP ServerOne Solutions Sdn Bhd, MZEC Group, Fujian Dayuhao Information Science & Technology Co Ltd, Guangxi Fanlian Technology Co Ltd, Nanning College for Vocational Technology, Runjian Co Ltd, and Zhejiang Smart Training Technology.

Prof Dato’ Ewe commented, “Today, I am also delighted to note that UTAR has formed a strategic university-industry partnership with a total of six to seven partners. With these MoUs, UTAR’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) and the new partners will officially begin the strategic partnership to initiate joint R&D projects, mutual visitations, industrial placement opportunities, curriculum development, et cetera. I strongly believe that these MoUs will pave the way for a rewarding journey for both UTAR and all new partners.”

Themed, Integrating & Connecting Digital Economy Technology Education with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Simulation & Artificial Intelligence, 2023 MERMC and IYDC 2023 were jointly organised by UTAR, GUFE, CCF Nanning Branch, and AAET; and sponsored by Guangxi Fanlian Technology Co Ltd, Runjian Co Ltd, Sage Singapore Pte Ltd, IPServerOne Sdn Bhd, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, MZEC Corp Sdn Bhd, RMAICT Sdn Bhd, W Tech Software, Informativ Sdn Bhd, Zhejiang Smart Training Technology Co Ltd, Fujian Dayuhao Information Science & Technology Co Ltd, and Guangxi Tus-Innovation Cross Border E-Commerce (TusCBEC) Co Ltd.

Keynote addresses by Vice President of Runjian Co Ltd Ms Zhao Hua and Engineer of GUFE Mr Deng Jing Bei also provided insights into the construction of AI and its impact on both organisations. They also enlightened participants on the application of AI in their organisations, and the facilities that are prepared to help staff members of the organisations to learn and enhance their AI knowledge and skills.

2023 MERMC was also the 9th annual MonsoonSIM International Competition. This year, the event facilitated a parallel engagement, which was the Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) Competition, and workshops and colloquium titled “Cross-Border Industry-Academia Education-Collaboration in Digital Economy”.

The competition received participation of 37 teams, from more than five economies. Participants competed in two tracks, namely Trading with FMCG, and Full Enterprise.

Meanwhile, the short study trip, which was organised in collaboration with IYDC 2023, was comprised of workshops, exhibitions, and colloquiums. It facilitated the introduction to low-code/no-code ERP customisation, hands-on real systems/platforms, exposure to data analytics case studies, product demonstration of real tools/platforms for education related to ERP simulation and digital economy, as well as, discussion and presentation among academics and industries.

The main goals of the short study trip were, to (1) explore a broader scope of cross-border industry-academia education-collaboration in the digital economy, starting with MonsoonSIM ERP simulation; (2) introduce real ERP, IT systems or platforms, relevant to what has been learnt in ERP simulation, such as ERP, IOT, data analytics, AI, e-commerce, and marketing; and (3) explore the possibility of partnership among participating universities & colleges, and the industries of each country.

The short study trip also aimed to prepare participants for real-world scenarios, experience and skills; address the urgency of AI in the disruption of future jobs of business and digital economy, explore and addressAI-assisted learning and teaching; and lastly, share experience in cross-border industry-academia education-collaboration in digital economy, starting with MonsoonSIM ERP simulation.

Click here to learn more about MERMC.

The event ended with a closing ceremony held on 2 December 2023, at the Grand Kampar Hotel, Kampar, along with the prize-giving ceremony. Present at the closing ceremony were Prof Liew, Mr Alex Ong, GUFE representatives, CCF Nanning representatives, Dr Choo, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Lo Po Kim, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn, participants, sponsors, co-organisers, and staff.

Prof Liew said, “Over the past three days, we have witnessed a convergence of brilliant minds, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to advancing education and research in the realms of modelling and computing. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and participants of the MERMC 2023. Regardless of the types of prizes won, the thing that truly matters is your participation and willingness to learn beyond your boundaries. In this competition, you have demonstrated great sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work; and you have also successfully proven your skills and knowledge. These qualities that you have demonstrated are indeed exemplary and you inspire many others to seize the opportunities of learning when given.”

Subsequently, a prize-giving ceremony was held to award the winners of MERMC 2023.

Top winners for Trading with FMCG track:

Champion:
Power Ranger from Universitas Internasional Semen Indonesia, Indonesia, with cash prize USD2,000

Second place:
CocoMave from Universitas Surabaya, Indonesia, with cash prize USD1,000

Third place:
Fiesta from Universitas Surabaya, Indonesia, with cash prize USD500

Consolation (cash prize USD100 each):

• SeLeCT from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Malaysia
• Annoyed Strategist from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
• STONK from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
• ARUZIVA from Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia
• IRIGASI from Universitas Pakuan, Indonesia

Top winners for Enterprise Track:

Champion:
High Five from Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia, with cash prize USD2,500

Second place:
Los Toros from Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia, with cash prize USD1,500

Third place:
SYNCE from UTAR, Malaysia, with cash prize USD1,000

Consolation (cash prize USD200 each):

• Galuh Rangers from Universitas Galuh, Indonesia
• Cratus from Kasetsart University, Thailand
• EDGE from City University of Hong Kong
• TATI Quantum Titans from University College TATI, Malaysia
• Belift from Universitas Pakuan, Indonesia

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