UMP & IPB sign MoU on blockchain technology to develop digitally smarter & greener port

9 April 2019

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and the Bintulu Port Authority (IPB) recently sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development in the field of blockchain technology, to boost efficiency in converting the latter into a digitally smarter and greener port.

The collaboration is also seen as the university’s efforts to improve competitiveness in holistic digitalization, in tandem with the Industrial Revolution 4.0; as well as the port’s initiative to leverage smart technology to meet demands in operation and commercial security.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim inked the dotted line for the university whilst IPB was represented by its General Manager, Zulkurnain Ayub.

Also present at the signing ceremony held during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2019) in Langkawi, Kedah, on March 28, 2019, were UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Dato’ Dr Mashitah Mohd Yusoff, UMP Chief Information Officer and Director of IBM Centre of Excellence, Dr. Mohamed Ariff Ameedeen, and IPB Head of Legal Department, Norkartiny Nawawi.

According to Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir, leveraging its expertise in blockchain technology – with information technology provided by its IBM Centre of Excellence and supply chain technology by its Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM) – the university now gets to play a bigger role in the transfer of expertise, and boosting of research and development.

“This opportunity to collaborate with IPB involves research and development, sharing of facilities, data, knowledge and skills, as well as other resources for mutual long-term benefits,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

UMP is the first public institution of higher learning in the country to implement blockchain technology application in authenticating its scroll, fondly called UMP Valid8.

Meanwhile, IPB will be the first port in Malaysia to apply blockchain technology in its daily operations.