UTAR has set up another significant milestone for closer research collaboration through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) at UTAR Kampar Campus on 16 October 2023. The collaborative effort is aimed at initiating potential collaborations in the area of biomedical research and other medical disciplines. 

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Manager of National Institutes of Health Dr Murizal bin Zainol, and witnessed by UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman and Director of Institute for Medical Research Dr Tahir bin Aris.

Under this MoU, both UTAR and IMR will share expertise and joint development in biomedical and medical research. Other activities such as workshops, training and conferences will also be jointly organised to enhance the exchange of ideas and facilities for research and curriculum development purposes. It is believed that these activities will also provide staff and students with important insights and the latest laboratory facilities experience from IMR.

Opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience, professional development, curriculum development and industrial placement are also outlined in the MoU, which will see the facilitation of industrial study visits by staff members provided to the undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Prof Dato’ Ewe in his speech said, “I am happy that we share mutual understanding on the need to collaborate in medical research because its importance is not limited to education and learning, but to also advance healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and enhance our understanding of diseases and treatments. Ultimately, medical research is important to ensure that the health and well-being of Malaysians are enhanced and sustained. UTAR has the opportunity to contribute in making Malaysians healthier, through our Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics Research and Training Unit (N²RTU), which we also have IMR on board as our associate partner. N²RTU is the first of its kind in Malaysia, with a focus on knowledge and technology transfer in the emerging field of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics via research and training. It was set up under UTAR Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research (CBNR), in collaboration with the University of Reading UK; funded by the British Council, UK; and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia, and Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) also as our associate partners.”

He added, “With this collaboration, we are also looking into having a joint application for research and development funding in medical research, joint training, and sharing of resources. We will also be working together in the effort to secure a national-level grant to strengthen evidence to implement precision nutrition in Malaysia. This will the pave way for large-scale research on Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics, and Precision Nutrition in Malaysia, and the recruitment of more specialists and technologists to further facilitate translation of research findings into practical applications and treatments that benefit patients. We are also hopeful that through the publication and presentation of scientific data resulted from this collaboration, the sharing of knowledge and best practices can transcend borders and be shared internationally. As this happens, we can also see the possible collaboration with other fields of specialists to make faster clinical implementation.”

Meanwhile, Dr Murizal in his speech said, “At the IMR, we are dedicated to carrying out research to address diseases and health issues pertinent to the country.  Our commitment to research has led to a better understanding of diseases and, more importantly, provided the scientific evidence for informed decision-making and formulation of prevention and control programmes.  Our research has resulted in the development of technical innovations and products that help to prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and control diseases.”

He added, “We are also proud of our specialised diagnostic services; indeed, several of our medical tests are accredited and our testing facilities are designated as national referral centres and laboratories. We also provide training in specialised fields to scientists, doctors, undergraduates and other healthcare professionals either through formal training courses and workshops or through short-term attachment programmes. With today’s MoU, IMR is proud to work with UTAR, who shared IMR’s commitment towards excellence in biomedical and medical research, and the advancement of science and technology.

He concluded, with the mutual sharing of expertise, resources and access to cutting-edge methods, we are able to stay competitive, innovative and efficient, while we continuously look for opportunities to grow and remain relevant in R&D areas.”

The ceremony reached its highlight with Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Murizal signing and exchanging the MoU documents. Curtains were drawn after a souvenir presentation session and a group photograph. The ceremony later saw a discussion with Faculty of Science (FSc) on other potential research collaborations.

Also present during the MoU signing ceremony were UTAR Hospital CEO Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping, UTAR Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Deputy Director Prof Dr Sumathi Sethupathi, FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, FSc Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Phoon Lee Quen, CBNR Chairperson Dr Eddy Cheah Seong Guan, FSc Department of Chemical Science Academic Dr Anto Cordelia Tanislaus Antony Dhanapal, FSc Department of Allied Health Sciences Academic Dr Annaletchumy Loganathan, and Division of Community and International Networking Deputy Dean Dr Chen, I-Chi.

Guests from IMR included Head of Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research Centre Dr Mohd Fairulnizal bin Md Noh, Head of Unit Perancangan Dasar dan Strategik Penyelidikan Biomedikal Dr Zulkarnain bin Abdul Karim, Head of Unit Biobank Dr Hans Prakash Sathasivam, Head of Unit Pemakanan, Pusat Penyelidikan Pemakanan, Metabolik dan Kardiovaskular Dr Aswir Abd Rashed and Pegawai Sains (Pemakanan) Institut Kesihatan Umum Khairul Hasnan bin Amali.