From left: Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Paul Scanlan and Mr Lee with the signed MoA
UTAR has advanced its commitment to transforming research excellence into real-world impact through a strategic collaboration with Ai5G Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Formalised via a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed on 24 March 2026 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, the partnership reinforces the University’s ambition to elevate its research commercialisation capabilities and global relevance.
The collaboration appoints Ai5G as UTAR’s commercialisation advisor, focusing on brand repositioning, research commercialisation, and capacity building. This strategic engagement is designed to enhance the market visibility and industry adoption of UTAR’s intellectual property, while strengthening its internal capabilities in innovation management and industry engagement.
Prof Dato’ Ewe
In his address, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat emphasised the importance of moving beyond research creation towards meaningful application. He highlighted that the collaboration introduces critical industry insight and commercial expertise, enabling UTAR to translate its research strengths into impactful, market-ready solutions while fostering a more entrepreneurial and innovation-driven institutional culture.
Mr Scanlan
Offering an industry perspective, Ai5G Chief Strategy Officer Mr Paul Scanlan underscored that successful innovation depends on the ability to deliver, build trust, and align research with market needs. He noted that bridging the gap between academic research and commercial execution is essential, and emphasised that talent, strategy, and strong industry networks are key drivers in scaling innovation. He also expressed confidence in UTAR’s academic achievements and its potential to position its innovations on a broader international stage.
The MoA outlines a structured 12-month engagement framework encompassing market validation, go-to-market strategy development, partner pipeline creation, and pilot project implementation. These initiatives are expected to generate measurable outcomes, including industry collaborations, commercial partnerships, and new revenue streams derived from UTAR’s research portfolio.
The signing ceremony brought together key representatives from both organisations, reflecting the strategic importance of the collaboration. Representatives from UTAR were Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Registrar Ms Loh Siaw Yien, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Institute of Bioscience and Health Sciences Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Ir Prof Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and Division of Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Teh Peh Chiong, along with other staff members.
The Ai5G delegation included Vice President (Asia) Mr. TS Lee (or Lee Tee Seng), who brings extensive international experience in technology commercialisation, market strategy, business management, talent development, solution/product innovations and industry transformation.
Through this partnership, Ai5G will facilitate industry linkages, introduce strategic partners, and support the development of pilot projects that demonstrate real-world applicability. At the same time, structured workshops and mentorship programmes will equip UTAR’s academic and management teams with essential commercial and industry-facing competencies, ensuring sustained impact beyond the engagement period.
This collaboration reflects UTAR’s forward-looking approach to higher education, where academic excellence is integrated with industry expertise to deliver innovation that is both relevant and impactful. By strengthening its commercialisation pathway, UTAR continues to position itself as a university that not only generates knowledge, but also transforms it into solutions that benefit industry and society.
Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) presenting the token of appreciation to Mr Scanlan (right)
A group photo taken to commemorate the occasion
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