LKC FES IAP Meeting 2025: Strengthening Industry-Academic Collaboration in the Age of AI

On 11 June 2025, the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) held its annual Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to aligning academic programmes with the evolving demands of a digital and AI-driven future.

This year’s meeting focused on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on student learning, skill development, and employability. It also underscored the vital role of collaboration between academia and industry in producing agile, future-ready graduates equipped with an innovation mindset.

The day began with a morning refreshment session, providing attendees with a chance to reconnect and network informally. The meeting then proceeded with institutional briefings, including updates on UTAR’s strategic direction and the screening of the university’s corporate and evacuation videos. Dean of LKC FES, Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, officially opened the meeting, followed by a group photo session to capture the spirit of collaboration and engagement.

A central feature of the meeting was a series of parallel departmental dialogues, where faculty members engaged directly with industry advisors. These focused discussions enabled departments to present curriculum updates, share ongoing initiatives, and receive practical feedback. Topics included embedding AI-related content into academic programmes, enhancing industrial relevance, and improving graduate outcomes in response to technological advancements.

Industry feedback played a key role in identifying emerging skill needs and academic directions. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in AI-influenced environments. Panel members from nine departments contributed valuable insights to support the faculty’s goal of maintaining relevance in an ever-changing global landscape.

Among the panel members were Ir Kwok Yew Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cenergi SEA Berhad; Mr Low Pit Fuh, Senior Member of Technical Staff at Advanced Micro Devices Global Services (M) Sdn. Bhd.; Dr Tan Chun Aun, Specialist Engineer at Vitrox Corporation Berhad; and Ts Gain Fui Tsin, Director II of the Industry Development Sector at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Additional contributors included Ir Mah Way Sheng, Director of Duriane Professionals Sdn. Bhd.; Dato’ Ir Haji Noor Azmi bin Jaafar, Director at Delloyd Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; Ir Dr Lim Ying Pio, Learning and Development Manager at PMB Aluminium Sdn. Bhd.; and Mr Hew Yoon Onn, Director of Universal Corrosion Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. Other key participants were Ir Ts Lau Yew Nen, Chief Executive Officer of One Medicare Sdn. Bhd.; Mr Tan Wei Qiang, Managing Director of GoAutomate S/B; Mr Wong Shin Jie, Vice President Advanced 3D Optical Inspection, ViTrox Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; Ir Kuah Kee Hong, Executive Director at Sepakat Setia Perunding (Sdn) Bhd; Ir Dr Justin Lai Woon Fatt, Founder and Managing Director of IPM Professional Services Sdn. Bhd.; Mr Tan Chee Heng, Executive Director at Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd.; and Ir Chong Shin Lee, Process Safety Technical Professional at Petronas.

The architectural and surveying disciplines were also represented by Ar Chow Yeut Keong, Sole Proprietor and Principal of The Architectural Network; Ar Dr Tan Loke Mun, Founder Director of Archicentre Sdn. Bhd.; Ar Dr Goh Ai Tee, Principal of A T Goh Architect; Sr Neoh Wen Wan, Principal of WW Quantity Surveying Consultancy; and Sr Goh Pei See, Contract Manager at S P Setia Bhd. Additional contributors included Dr Aizuddin Bin Che Mansor, Head of Transformation Diagnostic at Petronas; Mr Lee Jun Yip, Managing Director of L&L Consult & Eco Sdn. Bhd.; Mr Johnny Ong Shou Yee, Oil and Gas Industry Professional; Mr Lim Chai Hock, Director and Chief Operating Officer of PT Bayan Resources TBK; Mr Sim Ken Yang, Associate Director at CACEIS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; and Mr Gan Chun Yee, Chief Executive Officer of GenTech AI Sdn. Bhd.

Their collective input was instrumental in shaping the faculty’s efforts to ensure academic relevance, enhance curriculum design, and strengthen the alignment between academic programmes and industry needs.

The meeting concluded with a feedback session led by the Heads of Departments, who shared key takeaways and strategic recommendations from their departmental discussions. Participants later gathered for a networking lunch, which provided additional opportunities for informal dialogue and relationship-building before the event concluded.

The 2025 IAP Meeting highlighted LKC FES’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships between academia and industry. By integrating AI considerations into educational planning and strengthening industry engagement, the faculty aims to nurture graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also well-equipped to meet future challenges.