UMP establishes strategic collaboration with Petronas Chemicals to stimulate innovation & productivity

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronas Chemicals MTBE Sdn. Bhd. (PCMTBE) to establish a strategic collaboration between the academic institution and industry player, in terms of sharing of technology and field expertise, as well as developments in human capital, academic and research.

PCMTBE is a subsidiary of Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd., which markets chemical products to customers in 30 countries across Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific. PCMTBE produces fuel additives MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) as octane booster in unleaded gasoline.  

According to UMP, the strategic collaboration is hoped to stimulate productivity and innovation in the field of waste-water treatment and dynamic computerization of fluids.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, inked the MoU on behalf of the university, whilst PCMTBE was represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Azlimi M Lazim, at a signing ceremony held at PCMTBE’s premise in Gebeng, Kuantan, on November 1, 2019.

Also present to witness the exchange of documents at the signing ceremony were UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli; Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology, Dr. Mohd Bijarimi Mat Piah; Acting Head of Librarian, Dzull Zabarrod Ahmad; and PCMTBE Head of Technical Services, Salma M Kassim.

According to Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar, UMP is committed to establishing synergy with its industry partners to carry out consultancy works as well as undertake research and development (R&D) in projects that they have collectively identified, and/or will ascertain.
 
“Via such strategic collaborations, in the long run, UMP hoped to develop and produce talented professionals and technocrats, who can meet industrial demands and contribute to the advancement of industries within our nation,” emphasized the Vice-Chancellor.

“On this note, the university’s management is opening up ample opportunities to the academic staff of relevant disciplines to be directly involved in the professional training programmes provided by these industries to enrich their technical experience in the related fields.

“Simultaneously, employees within such industries are welcomed to pursue their tertiary studies and professional short-term courses at UMP,” stressed Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar.
 
Concurring, PCMBTE CEO, Azlimi said the company welcomes such collaboration, especially in the technical fields, where expertise in terms of engineering and technological operation and research between the two organizations can be shared.

To date, UMP Vice-Chancellor iterated that 90 percent of the university’s 800 academic staff are doctors of philosophy (PhD) in various disciplines – including fields of engineering and technology, like mechanical, manufacturing, chemical, computer science, and even German engineering.
  
“UMP is in the midst of realizing the national agenda of enhanced technical capabilities – and that includes transferring of technology to the surrounding communities, as well as boosting the competency level of our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” he said.
 
Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar highlighted, together with industry partners, UMP is now opportune to develop relevant academic curriculum, which will add value to the university’s staff in expanding their career possibilities.

For instance, UMP’s Centre for Modern Languages has recently established the Confucius Institute, which offers learning of Mandarin – which is fast becoming an international language with the advent of China’s industrialization worldwide.

“In addition, the collaborative research and development undertaken by both university and industry partners will consequently help resolve several industrial issues.”

After the signing ceremony, the delegation from UMP took a field tour of PCMTBE’s operations in Gebeng, and was briefed on the safety aspects there – a priority and part of the work culture at the plant.