Prof Abdul Wahab (left) and Prof Hiew with the MOU at the signing ceremony held at UKM Chancellery Office in Bangi.
Two universities will be focusing on the bridge between academia for maximised use of resources in related research fields to strengthen, promote and develop research collaboration.
UOW Malaysia KDU University College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to work together in research activities in the areas of advanced material processing, additive manufacturing and any other areas that would be determined mutually in the near future.
As part of the agreement which was signed at the UKM Chancellery Office in Bangi, Selangor, this joint venture will promote international academic cooperation between the two institutions, such as staff exchange mobility, acceptance of undergraduate and graduate students of each partner institution for periods of study and/or research.
In addition, both institutions have agreed on joint organising of symposia, conferences, short courses and meetings on research issues.
Any exchange of information pertaining to developments in teaching, student development and research innovation and commercialisation are also included in the agreement.
Through this collaboration, UKM will also assist the UOW Malaysia KDU School of Engineering in its preparation for the upcoming accreditation audit by Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC).
With this type of academic benchmarking, UOW Malaysia KDU said it could gain professional experience in the field of engineering accreditation and improvise its subject design portfolios prior to offering a value-added and accredited engineering programme.
The collaboration was initiated in September 2020 and there are a few ongoing research projects between the institutions.
Among them is the development of natural fibre reinforced composite filaments for additive manufacturing and biodegradable natural fibre reinforced polymer for food packaging application.
This project will contribute to drive the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2030 and 12th Malaysia Plan, focusing on the environment sustainability dimension and creating experts in advanced materials.
According to the national policy on IR4.0, additive manufacturing and advanced materials are two of the main areas that will change manufacturing activities in Malaysia.
The ability to control the physical and mechanical behaviour of advanced materials is the essential factor that will determine the national vision’s success.
Experts said this research project would be an excellent platform to produce next-generation materials and support the IR4.0 agenda so that Malaysia could move towards a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future.
Another highlight from this MOU is the collaboration between public-private higher education institutions in Malaysia.
“UOW Malaysia KDU is now part of University of Wollongong Australia global network.
“I believe that through this collaboration, we can explore and establish our international networks by setting up international academic offices and collaborating with partner institutions from Australia, Dubai and Hong Kong. It will provide greater diversification opportunities to our academicians and students in terms of increasing mobility of students, programmes, facility providers and research projects across national borders besides emphasising on lifelong learning,” said UOW Malaysia KDU University College vice-chancellor Prof Dr Hiew Pang Leang.
“Our only aim is to provide a global network experience to make Malaysian students truly globalised with access to world-class research facilities that aim to solve global challenges and create inventions that will make our lives better in the future,” he added.
“We have always been passionate about nurturing and supporting the youth,” said UKM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Wahab Mohammad.
“We believe that the future lies in their hands.
“Through this collaboration, we will be able to equip them with the right pathway and give them global exposure.
“We believe that we can inspire younger generations to think differently.
“We want to empower them to be future leaders.
“We thank UOW Malaysia KDU for this opportunity to work together and we look forward to future collaborations of mutual benefit,” Prof Abdul Wahab added.
The MOU was signed by Prof Abdul Wahab and Prof Hiew.
