UTAR signs MoA with MES Asia Sdn Bhd

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and MES Asia Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) at Sungai Long Campus on 23 March 2023.

The MoA was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and MES Asia Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Donna Ng. It was witnessed by Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She and MES Asia Sdn Bhd Building Information Modelling (BIM) Coordinator, Malaysia Feroz Hussin.

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Today’s partnership is a perfect example of the importance of collaboration between industry and academia. By working together, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, and ensure that our students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. Collaboration like this also enables us to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies and adapt to the changing needs of the industry.”

He added, “Under the agreement, UTAR students will be given the opportunity to be exposed to the industry through the industrial placement programme at MES to meet the increasingly challenging and ever-changing industrial requirements. Apart from that, UTAR and MES will collaborate on research related to ShareBIM and three UTAR lecturers will be trained as ShareBIM trainers. I am glad we will also work together to jointly organise short courses, training and workshops that are relevant to the industry.”

UTAR and MES Asia Sdn Bhd previously signed an MoU on 26 November 2011. Under the current MoA, MES Asia Sdn Bhd will sponsor 50 ShareBIM software licenses worth RM1,000,000 to UTAR students and researchers. UTAR, on the other hand, facilitate students to conduct internship programme at MES Asia Sdn Bhd when required. Both parties will jointly organise short courses, seminars, talks, conferences, workshops or training on ShareBIM for outsiders.

Also present at the signing ceremony were UTAR Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, LKC FES Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, LKC FES Department of Civil Engineering Head Ir Ts Dr Yip Chun Chieh, LKC FES academic Dr Woon Kai Siong, MES Asia Sdn Bhd General Manager William Chong and MES Asia Sdn Bhd Assistant Manager Jonathan Ng.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Donna Ng (right) delivering their welcome speeches

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Donna Ng signing the MoA

From left: Dr Yap, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Donna Ng and Feroz Hussin

A group photo after the signing ceremony