Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Max Yeo (right) displaying the signed MoU
In a significant move to bridge academic excellence with industrial expertise, UTAR formalised a strategic collaboration with YKL Engineering Sdn Bhd through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 9 October 2025. The ceremony took place at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus, bringing together senior leadership from both institutions in a spirit of mutual partnership and future-oriented cooperation.
Representing YKL Engineering Sdn Bhd was Chief Executive Officer Mr Max Yeo, accompanied by Mr Wong Hong Wai, Head of Engineering; Mr Michael Wong, Head of Marketing; and Mr Too Choon Teng, Personal Assistant to the CEO. Their presence underscored the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening ties with academic institutions.
UTAR was represented by its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min. Joining them were Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Director of the Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD); Ms Kok Li Kuan, Manager of IMLD; Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA); Dr Toh Chia Ming, from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and Ms Wang Yiling, Senior Assistant Manager from OIA.
In his welcome address, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted the historical and international achievements of YKL Engineering, praising its visionary leadership and expansive global reach in the palm oil machinery industry. He emphasised the alignment of values and aspirations between both parties, noting that the MoU would serve as a foundation for impactful cooperation, particularly in the areas of executive training and student internships. “Such initiatives align perfectly with UTAR’s mission to nurture industry-ready graduates and promote practical learning experiences that are socially and economically relevant,” he remarked.
The MoU outlines shared objectives to enhance the professional competencies of management executives through tailored training programmes and to foster closer university-industry linkages by enabling students to gain real-world exposure via internships. These collaborative efforts will be overseen by respective institutional contacts, Prof Cheng for UTAR and Mr Too for YKL Engineering.
Mr Max Yeo echoed the spirit of partnership in his address, welcoming the opportunity to invest in educational development and research cooperation. He remarked, “This partnership with UTAR marks an important milestone for us. We believe that when our people grow, our company grows, and investing in talent through education and collaboration is the key to lasting success. We look forward to a meaningful journey ahead together with UTAR.”
Founded in 1973, YKL Engineering Sdn Bhd has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of palm oil machinery with a footprint in over 20 economies. Its extensive expertise in turnkey engineering projects and mechanical handling systems complements UTAR’s robust academic portfolio across engineering, science, business, and technology disciplines.
This partnership not only enhances institutional ties but also contributes to national goals by cultivating a talent pipeline equipped to meet industrial demands. As UTAR and YKL embark on this new chapter, the collaboration stands as a model for sustainable development through educational and industrial synergy.
From left: Dr Toh, Ms Kok, Dr Lai, Prof Cheng, Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Max Yeo, Mr Wong, Mr Michael Wong and Mr Too
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