UTAR and Fuzhou University (FZU) marked a significant milestone in academic and research collaboration with the launch of the UTAR-FZU Joint Research Institute of Future Technology on 1 July 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The launch also witnessed the signing of a series of Letters of Intent (LOIs) and a donation agreement with leading industry partners from China and Malaysia.
The ceremony was graced by prominent representatives from both institutions and industry. Among the guests from FZU were President Academician Prof Dr Wu Minghong, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange Director Prof Dr Yu Yuanlong, School of Future Membrane Technology Senior Laboratory Technician Ms Pu Xianjuan, Researcher Dr Gao Tengyang and Office of International Cooperation and Exchange Translator Ms Wu Huiguang. They were joined by corporate leaders including, Zhejiang Jianmo Technology Co. Ltd. Chairman Dr Zhang Yunfei, ISZA TRADE Sdn Bhd Executive Director Mr Andrew Cheah, and Million Kind international Limited Executive Director Mr Yan Tao.
Representing UTAR were Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She and other UTAR staff. Representatives from Kampar Campus also participated virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Tan Sri Ting remarked, “The establishment of this Joint Research Institute is not only a milestone in the deepening of bilateral relations but also a contribution to regional technological development. It combines FZU’s leading expertise in membrane technology and AI with UTAR’s strengths in green technology and environmental engineering. With the strong support from industry partners, this collaboration reflects a model of future-oriented academic-industrial synergy.”
In his welcome speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted the close rapport built between the two institutions since 2019, culminating in this milestone achievement. “The Joint Research Institute will focus on key areas such as sustainable development, silicon carbide membrane technology, artificial intelligence, and resource recycling. It will integrate the strengths of both institutions to drive research innovation and talent development,” said Prof Dato’ Ewe.
Prof Wu expressed her appreciation and optimism for the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to witness the signing and plaque unveiling ceremony of the UTAR-FZU Joint Research Institute of Future Technology. We look forward to deepening our collaboration, leveraging our complementary strengths, and turning this institute into a model for China-Malaysia scientific cooperation and cultural exchange.”
Dr Zhang shared his excitement about the prospects of silicon carbide membranes and the decision to work with UTAR and FZU, “This collaboration is the start of something new. We’re not only bringing a cutting-edge material to Malaysia, but also planting the seed of an industry. With our experience in industrialising silicon carbide membranes and UTAR’s strong academic foundation, we aim to build a technology base here that can serve global markets, especially in water treatment, energy, semiconductors, and beyond. Malaysia offers openness, connectivity, and a strategic location for expansion into the Middle East and other regions.”
Mr Andrew Cheah emphasised the importance of university-industry partnerships, stating, “As a private sector representative, I strongly believe we must work hand-in-hand with academia to strike a balance between industrial productivity and sustainable development. Water recycling is becoming increasingly important, especially with Selangor’s Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) initiative, which presents a huge opportunity and challenge for membrane technology. I am honoured to be part of this group and hopeful that our collaboration with UTAR and FZU will deliver meaningful outcomes for all.”
Clockwise, from top left: Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Wu, Andrew Cheah, Tan Sri Ting and Dr Zhang
One of the highlights of the event was the signing of the collaboration agreement for the UTAR-FZU Joint Research Institute of Future Technology, along with two LoIs for tripartite technical cooperation between UTAR, FZU and ISZA TRADE Sdn Bhd, and UTAR, FZU and Million Kind International Limited. A donation agreement was also signed between UTAR and Zhejiang Jianmo Technology Co. Ltd., through which the Joint Research Institute will receive a series of silicon carbide ceramic membrane samples and testing equipment.
The unveiling of the institute’s plaque by Tan Sri Ting and Prof Wu, accompanied by the guests, marked the official establishment of the Joint Research Institute, which will serve as a platform for innovation, knowledge transfer, and international academic exchange.
According to the agreement, the UTAR-FZU Joint Research Institute of Future Technology will leverage the strengths of both institutions to build an integrated platform for international and interdisciplinary academic exchange, industry-academia collaboration, and talent development. Based in Malaysia and extending its reach to Southeast Asia and economies along the Belt and Road, the Institute will focus on the development of graphene precision separation membrane systems and silicon carbide ceramic membrane fabrication and applications. It will address diverse application areas including high-quality drinking water purification, oilfield reinjection water treatment, seawater desalination pre-treatment, industrial process separation, and wastewater and reclaimed water treatment. The Institute also aims to explore new pathways for industry transformation empowered by artificial intelligence.
Following the ceremony, a presentation session was held featuring technical sharing by Dr Zhang Yunfei and Prof Yu Yuanlong. The event concluded with a group photo, a guided tour of the new Joint Research Institute exhibition space on the 5th floor, and a networking luncheon.
The collaborations celebrated during this event reinforce UTAR’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation, interdisciplinary research, and industry engagement, while fostering stronger ties between Malaysia and China in the field of future technologies.
Agreement and LOI signing ceremony
Plaque unveiling ceremony. From left: Mr Yan, Dr Gao, Dr Zhang, Ms Pu, Prof Yu, Prof Wu, Tan Sri Ting, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Andrew Cheah and Prof Goi
Front row, from left: Ms Pu, Prof Yap, Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Tan Sri Ting, Prof Wu, Prof Yu, Dr Zhang, Mr Andrew Cheah and Mr Yan
Tour and group photo at UTAR-FZU Joint Research Institute of Future Technology
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