UTAR and CIMON Co. Ltd. sign MoU to advance industrial automation talent

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTAR and CIMON Co. Ltd. was held on 10 December 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and CIMON Co. Ltd. General Manager Mr Brian Pak.

Mr Brian Pak (right) and Prof Dato’ Ewe

CIMON Co. Ltd., based in South Korea, is a leading international hardware and software manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in the industrial automation industry. The company offers a comprehensive and versatile product portfolio, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), industrial PCs (IPCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and related solutions.

The MoU aims to establish a framework for collaboration between UTAR and CIMON, focusing on the exchange of ideas and the shared use of facilities through staff attachments and mutual visits to support curriculum development and professional growth. The partnership also provides opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in industrial study visits, enhance skills training and continuing education for industry personnel, and support students’ career development and employment opportunities.

From left: Dr Lai, Prof Yap, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Brian Pak, Dr Toh and Dr Lee

Also present were Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, LKC FES Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, LKC FES academic Dr Toh Chia Ming and Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

Prof Dato’ Ewe, in his speech, emphasised the transformative potential of uniting academia and industry. He said, “By leveraging UTAR’s strengths in engineering education and research alongside CIMON’s technological expertise and global industry experience, the partnership aims to nurture future-ready engineering talent and drive cross-border innovation. The collaboration also reflects UTAR’s commitment to becoming a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact through enhanced experiential learning, industry-relevant research and technological innovation.”

In his address, Mr Brian Pak expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Today’s MoU signing marks a very meaningful milestone, as it is CIMON’s first partnership with an institution in Malaysia. This collaboration bridges industry expertise with academic excellence, and through the synergy of UTAR’s academic capabilities and CIMON’s technological expertise and global industry experience, the partnership will enhance student learning and employability, support skills development, and drive innovation in industrial automation and smart technologies.”