UTAR–FMM Perak partnership continues to drive industrial growth

UTAR and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) Perak formalised their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony on 24 September 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus, marking the renewal of the long-standing partnership first established in 2009.

The MoU was signed and exchanged by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and FMM Perak Branch Chairman Mr Chua Kay Lin. The main areas of collaboration under this MoU revolve around talent development, research collaboration, and the expansion of potential academia-industry initiatives.

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Over the years, UTAR and FMM have worked together on various initiatives including training programmes, industry talks, joint forums, study visits, and research consultations. These collaborations have been fruitful in strengthening linkages between academia and industry, and we are delighted to further expand this journey with FMM Perak.” 

Mr Chua said, “We hope that, with today’s MoU signing, UTAR and FMM Perak will embark on more collaborative efforts and impactful programmes that benefit both parties, particularly our FMM member companies who stand to gain access to fresh talents, research innovation, and learning opportunities. Let this partnership be a catalyst for sustainable industry-academia synergy and a model for how we can work together to support Malaysia’s industrial growth, talent development, and global competitiveness.”

During the discussion, both parties explored various joint upskilling opportunities for staff, students and academics. Programmes in areas such as electrical engineering, industrial management, and business administration were introduced by UTAR to FMM Perak. Expanding on the upskilling initiative, potential collaborations were also discussed, including the reestablishment of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Centre at FMM, joint technology development between FMM Youth and UTAR, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) training for FMM staff.

Also present at the MoU signing ceremony were FMM Perak Branch Vice Chairmen Mr Wong Khin Kong, Mr Mark Chan Chow Loong, and Mr Tony Cheam Swee Aik; Committee Members Mr Vince Lew Kin Soon and Mr Yeong Sai Key; Head of Branch and Manager Ms Nicole Choe Pui Sze; UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin, FEGT academic Ts Dr Cheah Chew Keat, Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD) Head of Corporate and Community Training En Mohd Faizul bin Ahmad, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen, I-Chi, and OIA Assistant Manager Ms Chin Sau Lai.

UTAR’s collaborations with FMM Perak date back to 2009, with subsequent renewals of MoUs in 2012 and 2016. The University looks forward to many more joint initiatives that will not only benefit UTAR and FMM but also contribute to the wider community and economy, nurturing a new generation of industry-ready graduates equipped to drive Malaysia’s industrial growth.