UTAR and FMM sign MoU to strengthen
industry–academia collaboration

Prof Dato’ Ewe (second from right) and Mr Jacob Lee (second from left) with the signed MoU

UTAR and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 24 July 2026 at Wisma FMM, Kuala Lumpur, formalising a strategic partnership to strengthen industry–academia collaboration through research, innovation, talent development, and knowledge exchange.

The UTAR delegation, led by President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, was received by FMM President Mr Jacob Lee Chor Kok, President Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Soh Thian Lai, Deputy President Dato’ Andrew Goh Boon Kim, Vice President Dato’ Gan Tack Kong, Vice President Ir Ter Leong Leng, Vice President Ms Michelle Hah, and Vice President Dato’ Palaniappan Joseph, along with Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Yeoh Oon Tean, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ms Hema Thiruchelvam, General Manager of FMM Institute Dr Shanmuga Vivekananda, Director of Research Dr Nambiar Shankaran, and Manager of the Business Environment Division Ms Wan Haslina Wan Hussin.

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe noted that the partnership, which began in 2012, has progressed through various meaningful engagements over the years, including industry dialogues, research discussions, and joint talent development initiatives. Following the MoU signed with the FMM Perak Branch last year and UTAR’s participation in the FMM Industry-Academia Committee earlier this year, he said this new MoU takes the collaboration to the next level. He added that under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on research, knowledge sharing, and industry engagement through mutual visits and participation in seminars and workshops, as well as industrial visits and student placements to enhance graduates’ workforce readiness.

“This MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening industry–academia collaboration in support of Malaysia’s manufacturing transformation. Through joint research, technology adoption, and talent development, we believe FMM and UTAR can work together to build a more competitive and resilient manufacturing sector,” said Mr Jacob Lee.

During the visit, both parties discussed the way forward in strengthening industry–academia collaboration to support the transformation of Malaysia’s manufacturing sector. FMM shared its four strategic pillars, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in joint research and policy advocacy on issues affecting manufacturers, the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, automation, robotics, and cybersecurity, market expansion and internationalisation, as well as the development of industry-ready talent and future leaders.

UTAR, in turn, presented a comprehensive collaboration framework encompassing research and innovation, human capital development, talent and entrepreneurship, and curriculum enhancement. Proposed initiatives include joint research, laboratories and innovation projects, consultancy and commercialisation, postgraduate and professional training programmes, micro-credentials, industry attachments, internships, graduate recruitment, guest lectures, entrepreneurship initiatives, as well as industry participation in curriculum development through advisory panels, work-based learning, and flexible teaching arrangements to better prepare graduates for the evolving needs of industry.

Looking ahead, FMM and UTAR agreed to explore further strategic collaborations spanning joint research and innovation, capacity-building programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, with the aim of strengthening industry–academia linkages and developing future-ready manufacturing talent.

Together, FMM and UTAR look forward to translating this partnership into meaningful initiatives that will strengthen industry capabilities, nurture future-ready talent, and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.

The UTAR delegation comprised Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Assoc Prof Dr Pok Wei Fong, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Institute of Management and Leadership Development Director and Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre Chairperson Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Centre for Corporate and Community Development Director Ms Lim Guat Yen, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Faculty of Science Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Tan Gim Cheong, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Yeoh Wei Ming, and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Head of Programme for Master in Data Science & Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science Assoc Prof Ts Dr Aun Yichiet.

Group photo of FMM and UTAR staff

Prof Dato’ Ewe signing the FMM Guestbook