MoU Exchange with Soft-Skills Sdn Bhd

From left: Dr Lai, Sharifah, Stephani Yap, Johan, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Lee, Dr Liew, Chin, and Albert Chua

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony took place between UTAR and Soft-Skills Sdn Bhd on 21 March 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

Under this MoU, both parties will initiate joint projects involving collaborative research, share expertise and joint development of research, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilities including the attachment and mutual visits by staff members to pursue research, curriculum development and participate in seminars, conferences and workshops relevant to the industry. It will also facilitate industry placement and visits for UTAR students, as well as mutual visits for staff members of both parties.

Representing Soft-Skills Sdn Bhd at the exchange ceremony were Executive Director Lee Kiam Siong Director Stephani Yap Bee Kiow, Chief Technology Officer Albert Chua, Software Development Manager Chin Wai Kit and Human Resources and Operation Assistant Vice President Sharifah Amalina. Also invited to witness the exchange was Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Manager for Corporate Innovation and Digital Export Johan bin Matthieu Vanhaecke.

Welcoming them on behalf of UTAR were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue and Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

The delegates during the exchange ceremony

Prof Dato’ Ewe gave a speech at the ceremony. He said, “Early in January 2023, UTAR signed a pact with Soft-Skills Sdn Bhd to begin a strategic partnership and initiate joint research initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for both parties to collaborate, and share knowledge and expertise to form a win-win partnership in research projects. By combining our expertise and resources, we will be able to expand the breadth and depth of the research and maximise its impact on society and academia.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

He added, “This is also our university’s initiative to explore collaborations, facilitate and promote academic cooperation, and exchange ideas while enriching staff and students with industry-related experiences in order to stay relevant to industry developments. We are happy to be able to do our part as a collaborative partner for better and more impactful outcomes by working together.”

Lee said, “We at Soft-Skills Sdn Bhd have worked with UTAR previously. Our collaboration mainly consisted of offering internships to students, who subsequently joined us for full-time careers. We also came to know that a large percentage of UTAR students were the first in their families to graduate with a university degree. Thus, we are extremely glad to be part of UTAR’s journey in incubating young Malaysian talents.”

Lee showing his appreciation to UTAR

The ceremony reached its highlight with the exchange of the MoU documents, which was conducted by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Lee. Witnessing the exchange were Johan and Stephani Yap. After that, a souvenir exchange took place. The ceremony ended with a group photography session.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Lee (right) exchanging MoUs, Johan witnessing the exchange

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Lee (right) exchanging souvenirs