UMP and BASF PETRONAS Chemicals signed MoU on sharing of technology and knowledge and talent development

Pekan, December 18 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that combined innovative strengths and capabilities of a well-established university and a leading chemical company.

It would strengthen public trust towards UMP and its quality as a higher education institution. The collaboration would pave the way for more collaborations on sharing of knowledge in engineering and technology as well as scientific expertise and enhance the marketability and competency of graduates from the university.

It would be in line with the university’s aspiration under its industrial linkage and academic collaboration as stated in its UMP Strategic Plan 2016-2020 with its theme, ‘Communitising Technology’.

The objectives outlined in the strategic plan would be fulfilled through high-impact and sustainable programmes involving the industry and community, and to be carried out in a large scale.

The seven main areas agreed in the MoU were talent sourcing for BASF PETRONAS Chemicals’ own GROW programme and other permanent employments, academic development programme, industry excellence award sponsorship programme, industrial placement training for staff and student, leadership and professional development programme, sharing of expertise in research and facilities, corporate social responsibility and sustainability-related initiatives.

UMP was represented by its Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim and Assistant Vice Chancellor (Industrial and Community Relations) Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail while BASF PETRONAS Chemicals by its Managing Director Dr. Sven Crone and Human Resource Management Director Zairul Alwi. Also present were Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resource Engineering Dean Professor Zulkafli Hassan.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said with the scientific and technology expertise it had, the university would be able to play a bigger role in matters involving exchange of experts, research development, training and industrial relation.

“The opportunity derives from this collaboration with BASF PETRONAS Chemicals will enable the university to benefit from the expertise available in the aspects of technical, process optimisation and human resource development.

“It will also involve other aspects such as working together in research development and sharing of facilities, data, knowledge and skill as well as areas that will provide mutual benefits,” he said.

Meanwhile Dr Sven Crone said, the signing of this MoU with UMP is just timely and will strengthen the readily concrete relationship. 

“This mutually beneficial partnership will catalyse more active, win-win collaborations between BASF PETRONAS Chemicals and UMP.”

Dr Sven Crone also presented BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Excellence Award RM10,000 mock cheque to Professor Dato Sri Dr. Daing Nasir. The award is given to a selected student who graduated with outstanding achievement and results and presented during the university’s convocation ceremony.