UTAR strengthened its academia-industry collaboration by formalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ESnet Academy. The partnership was substantiated with an MoU signing ceremony, held on 23 April 2024, at MH Hotel, Ipoh.

Representatives from UTAR consisted of Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue; FICT Deputy Deans Assoc Prof Ts Dr Cheng Wai Khuen and Dr Choo Peng Yin; Heads of Departments Dr Zanariah binti Zainudin, Ts Dr Chang Jing Jing, Ts Dr Suthashini Subramaniam, FICT academic Ts Lim Jit Theam; and Office of International Affairs representative Ms Ally Chin Sau Lai.

ESnet Academy representatives also consisted of Director Mr Ray Yeong Keng Son, Assistant Manager Ms Shirley Yeen Siew Wai, Marketing Executive Mr Boston Kwok Sheng Wah, and Digital Marketing Executive Mr Keshminder Singh.

Managing Director of ESnet Academy Mr Sam Chang Wai Choy said that the collaborations with the various institutions have shown that technical and vocational courses have been developing much, and this further boost the development of the electric vehicle industry. He also mentioned that the MoU is a significant progress in the fields of electric vehicle technology, research, and education, and aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration, enrich educational experience among students and academics, and cultivate innovation and leadership. The MoU is also a reflection of the company’s commitment to jointly promote sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.

Prof Liew, in his speech, said, “At UTAR, we firmly believe in the power of partnerships. Through our collaboration with ESnet Academy, we open doors to limitless opportunities for our students and staff. With this MoU, we pledge to uphold a shared vision of excellence in education and industry engagement. Our partnership will facilitate exciting prospects such as staff exchanges, industrial study visits, and skills training programmes. The exchange of ideas, staff attachments, and mutual visits will certainly enrich curriculum development and provide invaluable insights into industry practices. Industrial study visits and career development opportunities will further bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications, equipping our students for successful careers in their respective fields. These initiatives will not only enhance the learning experience but also furnish our students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world.”

Also present at the ceremony were ADUN Simpang Pulai YB Wong Chai Yi, and ADUN Jelapang YB Cheah Pou Hian. YB Wong commented that Perak has been looking to invest in the development of high-tech industries, which will provide job opportunities, and promote industrial production, and reduce environmental pollution. She also highlighted that more scientific and technological talents will be highly demanded to help develop the industry, and encouraged more people to participate in the development of the technical industry field. Meanwhile, YB Cheah expressed his hope for the MoU to pave the way for joint exploration in future developments of the automobile manufacturing industry, and promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

The ceremony came to an end, with a closing speech by ESnet Academy Principal Mr Anthony Seow See Wah, who reminded everyone of the importance of industry-academic collaboration, which is the key to stabilising each other’s strengths, reforming educational environment, empowering individuals, and nurturing new talents. He also hoped that the MoU would pave the way for the implementation of creative teaching and the use of science and technology to bring the industry and academia closer.

The signing ceremony also saw ESnet Academy sealing its partnership with other institutions, namely Xianning Vocational Technical College China; Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah; Motordata Research Consortium (MRC) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad.