The continuous effort by UTAR to foster collaboration with the industry was supported with another memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between UTAR and Samaiden Group Berhad, on 17 January 2024, at UTAR Kampar Campus. The collaboration aimed to foster sustainable development and innovation.

Samaiden Group Berhad was represented by its Managing Director Ir Chow Pui Hee, Executive Director Mr Fong Yeng Foon, Chief Strategy Officer Dr Tee Wu Shun, and Group Strategy Development Assistant Manager Ms Choi Huey Yi.

UTAR, on the other hand, was represented by its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, who was also accompanied by Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, FEGT Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Abdelhak Senadjki, and FBF Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin. Also present were FBF Centre for Economic Studies Chairperson Dr Chen Fanyu, FBF Department of Economics representative Dr Vivien Wong Zi Wen, Office of International Affairs Deputy Director Dr Chen, I Chi, Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Head Ms Saravani Selvam, FEGT academic Dr Lim Chong Hooi, and Office of International Affairs staff Ms Chin Sau Lai.

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed, “This MoU represents a strategic partnership that aims to leverage our collective expertise and resources, principally in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of solar photovoltaic systems and renewable energy. Today, it is with great delight that we will officially welcome Samaiden Group Berhad into UTAR’s growing list of partnerships. With this MoU, UTAR’s Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology and Faculty of Business and Finance, and Samaiden Group Berhad will officially begin the strategic partnership to initiate joint projects, mutual visitations, industrial placement opportunities, and curriculum development. The MoU will enable us to work even more closely in creating platforms which will enrich both staff and students’ academic experience and industrial exposure, as well as empower them to explore learning opportunities beyond the classrooms.”

Additionally, the MoU also aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilities, and provide career development and opportunities to students. Benefitting staff as well, the collaboration will facilitate the identification, development, and promotion of skills training and continuing education required for workers and staff of industries.

Ir Chow elaborated, “Our alignment with UTAR is a step towards nurturing a new generation of experts in renewable energy. This partnership is an embodiment of our commitment to sustainable development and innovation. By integrating our industry insights and expertise with UTAR’s academic rigour, we are laying down a foundation for students to excel in renewable energy, a field that is critical to the future of our planet. We are excited to be part of this journey, contributing to the education of individuals who will soon lead and innovate in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.”

Next, a discussion was held with faculty members on R&D and consultancy, human capital development, talent development, and curriculum development. A brief campus tour was conducted to further introduce UTAR to the guests of Samaiden Group Berhad.