UTAR and Allied Environment Consultants Group forge new partnership

Representatives from UTAR and AEC Group

On 4 July 2024, UTAR and the Allied Environment Consultants (AEC) Group officially entered into a strategic partnership to enhance green solutions and sustainability training.

The partnership was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and AEC Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Dennis Wu, with Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and AEC Group Chief Executive Ms Donna Ng serving as witnesses.

From AEC Group, Green Building Consultant Ms Elaine Koh, ESG Associate Consultant Ms Cassandra Tan, and Assistant Sustainability Consultant Ms Sophia Chin were in attendance. Additionally, TOWNLAND Director Ms Monika Indriasari and Principal Urban Designer Ms Devina Anindya Putri participated in the ceremony.

Representatives from UTAR included Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Ling Lloyd, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and OIA Senior Assistant Manager Ms Liu Dan. Joining remotely via Microsoft Teams from UTAR Kampar Campus were FEGT Head of Department of Environmental Engineering Assoc Prof Dr Zafarullah Nizamani, OIA Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen I-Chi, and OIA Senior Assistant Manager Ms Loi Sien Mun.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his opening remarks

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised that this MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing green technology and fostering sustainable development. He highlighted the collaboration with AEC Group in joint research, knowledge exchange, and ESG training programmes to benefit students and the wider community. The partnership, according to him, aimed to develop practical applications of green technologies and enhance learning experiences through industrial study visits and internships. Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed appreciation for AEC Group’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. He underscored the mutual benefits of this collaboration, particularly in preparing industry-ready graduates and fostering a sustainable future.

Mr Dennis Wu delivering his speech

Mr Dennis Wu shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, acknowledging UTAR’s reputation for academic excellence and innovation. He mentioned that this collaboration offers a significant opportunity to transform research into practical business applications, benefiting both institutions. Mr Dennis Wu also highlighted AEC Group’s expansion into various regions, including offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dubai, and upcoming offices in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the company’s international growth and commitment to sustainability.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Dennis Wu

The objectives of the MoU include initiating joint projects involving collaborative research, facilitating exchanges of ideas and facilities, and promoting green technology incubation and knowledge transfer. Additionally, the partnership aims to enhance learning experiences through industrial study visits and mutual staff exchanges, facilitate fresh graduate recruitment and industrial placements, and explore the joint development of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) training programmes tailored for integration into academic curricula.

Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Dennis Wu exchanging souvenirs

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo session, capturing this momentous occasion and marking the beginning of a promising partnership. Following the formalities, attendees engaged in discussions on the commercialisation of green products and solutions, as well as sustainability-related training and courses.