UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) held a “Plaque Hanging Ceremony” for the Joint Research and Education Centre for Data Science and Business Intelligence Project at its FICT Building in Kampar Campus on 1 December 2023.

The ceremony was graced by FICT Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue and FICT Deputy Dean Dr Choo Peng Yin. Also present at the ceremony were the representatives of universities and industry partners, FICT academics and UTAR staff and students.

Among the participating universities and industry partners were Runjian Co., Ltd.; Guangxi Fanlian Technology Co., Ltd.; Fujian Dayuhao Information Science & Technology Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang Smart Training Technology Co., Ltd.; Nanning College for Vocational Technology; Guangxi University of Finance and Economics (GUFE); UTAR-China Computer Federation, Nanning Activity Centre: Joint Innovation Group; Guangxi Tus-Innovation Cross Border E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (TusCBEC); UTAR-Guangxi University of Finance and Economics: Overseas Students Association Innovation Group; UTAR-Guangxi Financial Big Data Key Laboratory Working Group; IP ServerOne Solutions Sdn Bhd; MZEC Corporation Sdn Bhd; Informativ Sdn Bhd; MonsoonSIM; RMAICT Sdn Bhd; W Tech Marketing Sdn Bhd; SAGE Singapore Pte. Ltd.; Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; and Infusion Information Technology Sdn Bhd.

The plaque hanging ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2023 MonsoonSIM Enterprise Resource Management Competition (MERMC) International Grand Final, and International Youth Development Conference (IYDC) 2023 to publicly promise a long-term relationship with all the universities industry partners, and sponsors who had already signed a memorandum of understanding with UTAR and supported the 2023 MERMC and IYDC.

In his speech, Prof Liew emphasised, “Today, we come together not only to celebrate the establishment of the Joint Research and Education Centre but to also express our gratitude to the generous sponsors who have made the two significant international events, namely MERMC and IYDC possible. The plaque hanging ceremony marks a significant moment in the journey of our institution, symbolising the strong partnerships we have forged in the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation. Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation and may the Joint Research and Education Centre for Data Science and Business Intelligence continue to be a hub of excellence, bridging the gap between theory and practice.”

The simple yet meaningful ceremony ensued with the hanging of plaque by all the representatives. It was followed by a group photograph and a tour to the UTAR FICT Building.