UTAR and Edubest Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd strengthen collaboration through MoU renewal

The ceremony welcomed guests from Edubest Plantation Holdings, including Directors Dato’ Kelvin Lee Wai Mun, Dato’ Tai Far Chong, Dato’ Alan Choy, Mr Teh Han Liat, Mr Alex Lee Han Cien, and Mr Lee Yee Kheong. Also present were Environmental Manager Ms Wendy Ngu Mooi Yean and researcher Mr Angelo Wong Sian Sang.

Representing UTAR were its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, FSc Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, FSc Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Teh Lai Kuan, Head of Programme for Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agricultural Science Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook and other academics and staff members.

Since the signing of the first MoU in 2021, the collaboration between UTAR and Edubest Plantation Holdings has grown significantly, marked by impactful projects and initiatives that bridge academia and industry.

The partnership between UTAR and Edubest Plantation Holdings has yielded significant benefits for students, researchers and the industry through various collaborative initiatives. These include research and consultancy projects, such as the study of Eucalyptus essential oils by UTAR researchers Dr Sit, Dr Ho Lai Yee, and Dr Lim, as well as consultancy projects on fungicide screening for foliar pathogens and tissue culture techniques for Eucalyptus seedlings led by Dr Clement Wong and Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wey Lim. Edubest has also provided hands-on internship opportunities for UTAR Biotechnology students, enabling them to gain practical experience in the plantation industry. Furthermore, Edubest has supported knowledge-sharing initiatives by sponsoring events such as the Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XXII: Smart Plantation and Sustainability, the Edufun Agrimicrob Science Holiday Workshops, and the 13th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science.

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted the importance of strong industry-academic collaborations, stating, “This renewal signifies a shared vision to drive innovation, sustainability and academic excellence. Together, we will continue to build a future where education and industry work hand in hand to address global challenges.” He also expressed UTAR’s gratitude to Edubest for their donation to UTAR Hospital and their unwavering support of various collaborations.

Mr Angelo Wong from Edubest Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd echoed this sentiment, expressing their commitment to nurturing future talents and contributing to impactful research.

The renewed MoU reaffirms a shared vision between UTAR and Edubest Plantation Holdings to address pressing challenges in agriculture, sustainability and biotechnology through innovation and collaboration. The partnership sets the stage for new opportunities that will further enhance academic research, provide practical exposure for students and foster sustainable practices within the industry.

UTAR looks forward to continuing this successful collaboration, creating a positive impact on society and nurturing future-ready graduates.