As a result of a fruitful collaboration, UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) and GDEX Berhad successfully launched the GDEX Technovate Lab at UTAR Kampar Campus on 12 June 2023.
It’s official: (From left) Mr Lim, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Teong, Tan Sri Muhammad, Tan Sri Ong, and Mr Hew officiating the GDEX Technovate Lab
Aimed at promoting technological advancement and innovation between industry and academia, the GDEX Technovate Lab enables UTAR students to acquire knowledge and skills in key technological areas in the fields of IT and logistics.
The launching ceremony was graced by GDEX Berhad Chairman Tan Sri Muhammad bin Ibrahim, GDEX Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Teong Teck Lean, GDEX Chief Financial Officer Mr Lim Chee Seong, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, and UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Mr Hew Fen Yee.
Also present to witness the ceremony was UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue; UTAR Hospital CEO and UTAR Hospital Board Member Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping; GDEX Chief Investment Officer Mr Jerry Lee, GDEX Chief Operating Officer Ms Caren Chong, GDEX Chief Sustainability Officer Mr John Teoh, GDEX Chief Information Officer Mr Melvin Foong, GDEX System and Business Development Advisory Mr Nicholas Tan, GDEX Senior Strategist Ms Toh Kar Inn, GDEX Head of Development (HQ and Tech Lab 2) Mr Henry Fan, GDEX Head of Business Analyst and Tech Lab 1 Ms Anna Tan, Anon Security Head of IT Mr Chan Wern Jin, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Centre for Foundation Studies (Kampar Campus) Deputy Director for Academic Ms Phang Ying Ning, FICT Head of Department of Computer Science Assoc Prof Ts Dr Ooi Boon Yaik, Centre for Internet of Things and Big Data Chairperson Dr Tan Joi San, and UTAR academics and administrative staff.
Prof Dato’ Ewe thanking GDEX Berhad for the fruitful collaboration
Committed to supporting and empowering students in pursuing innovation and digitalisation, Prof Dato’ Ewe in his speech emphasised, “In this fast-paced digitalisation era, collaborations with the industry has gained tremendous importance because it enhances our progress in moving forward and adaptability in embracing the digital presence. UTAR believes industry collaborations are essential for developing research and a qualified workforce. Partnering with established companies or experts in a specific field such as GDEX can provide valuable insights, best practices, and access to cutting-edge technologies. This enables us to enhance our capabilities, address challenges more effectively, and stay up to date with the latest industry trends.”
He continued, “Today’s launching of GDEX Technovate Lab is another breakthrough for UTAR and GDEX to collaborate with each other in the field of logistics. Logistics play a crucial role in today’s online world, where e-commerce and digital services have become increasingly prevalent. Simultaneously, digitalisation has also brought about an increase in cyber threats, making robust cybersecurity measures crucial. I am positive, that, through the projects, final year projects (FYP), lab practical, and research activities conducted by the GDEX Technovate Lab, our students will be able to acquire knowledge and skills in key technological areas to improve logistics.”
Mr Teong thanking UTAR for another significant milestone of partnership
Delighted in achieving another significant milestone with UTAR, Mr Teong stressed, “This launch is particularly meaningful for GDEX, as it is another significant event of partnership and collaboration between UTAR and GDEX, and it symbolises GDEX’s commitment to education. This collaboration with UTAR is a giant leap for GDEX as we become a technology company that leverages on the logistics ecosystem. Since inking the memorandum of understanding last year, we have collaborated through the following events: CEO talk with UTAR students, internship, visits to GDEX’s facilities, as well as training. The needs of human capital specialising in IT continues to grow and we look forward to continue working closely with UTAR’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, not forgetting other faculties in various fields.”
He added, “We hope the GDEX Technovate Lab will facilitate discussions among UTAR academicians to explore potential research areas in the fields of IT and logistics. Some of the potential research discussions that have been outlined are smart warehouses and RFID, among others. We look forward to research collaborations between UTAR and GDEX. Additionally, there are plans in the pipeline for the joint effort of both parties to explore opportunities in cybersecurity, with the support of our subsidiary Anon Security.”
Tan Sri Muhammad expressing his delight in witnessing the launch of GDEX Technovate Lab at UTAR Kampar Campus
Highlighting the importance of industry-academia partnerships and collaborations, Tan Sri Muhammad enthused, “In the area of technology, collaborations not only lead to the creation of new products and services but also identifying new areas for further R&D. Empirical evidence suggest that it was the universities, with their advanced research capabilities and engagement in cutting edge explorations, that added new insights and possibilities. It was also proven that partnerships with the industry can add value to these new discoveries. Collaboration and partnership with the private sector will lead to the commercialisation of those insights and possibilities. These collaborations will translate into practical products and services that can benefit businesses, societies, and the nation.”
He added, “The academia will also benefit from the private sector industry partnership, where university students can have access to the latest technologies, tools, and gain real-life experiences from industry experts. All these will close the gap between academic knowledge and practical applications, which will enable students to prepare for their future careers.”
The GDEX Technovate Lab is located in UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Kampar Campus. It will facilitate discussions among UTAR academicians to explore potential research areas in the fields of IT and logistics.
Prof Dato’ Ewe (right) presenting a memento to Tan Sri Muhammad (centre) and Mr Teong
Tan Sri Muhammad (centre) presenting a souvenir to Prof Dato’ Ewe
A group photo consisting of UTAR staff and GDEX guests in front of the signage to commemorate the launch of the GDEX Technovate Lab
Tan Sri Muhammad, Mr Teong, and esteemed guests from GDEX Berhad touring the GDEX Technovate Lab; accompanied by Prof Dato’ Ewe, Tan Sri Ong, and Mr Hew
Tour of UTAR Hospital and T&CM Block
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