KUALA LUMPUR, 26 May 2016 – A total of 44 industry partners from various sectors attended the Annual UTM Academia-Industry Appreciation Night organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The ceremony that was held in Kuala Lumpur campus was organized to celebrate and pay tribute to the industries that have been working with UTM in the development of academic, research and community service.
Special awards were given to 18 industrial partners who provided outstanding contributions in four areas namely Research, Academic, Community Service Responsibility (CSR) and the Alumni.
“The Research Award was given to industries that have contributed ideas, funding, facilities and expertise in the field of research and academic category assigned to an active industry and contribute in the development of academic, research and service.
“For the CSR category, awards are given to industries that contribute to social responsibility and Alumni category given to industries ranging from UTM registered alumni who provide various forms of contributions to the development of students, staff, campus development,” she said.
The role and contribution of an integrated and sustainable industry will produce quality graduates who meet and satisfy the needs of industry in the future.
The close relationship between academia-industry has been interpreted through a number of activities that have been carried out by the university such as the CEO Faculty Program, and the Industry Centre of Excellence (CoE), which focuses on human resource development.
“Another strategic cooperation model implemented by universities through projects is the Public-Private Research Network (DISP) where the university helps the industry deal with the problems and challenges facing the industry based on their skills and expertise.
“In addition, the industry also benefits in the commercialization of intellectual property products, R & D and innovation through licensing, commission or honorarium,” she said.
In addition to functioning as a strategy to promote cooperation between the two parties to a higher level, the programme also aims to get feedback during the industry’s reputation of the university.
Also attending the ceremony was Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Prof. Dr. Azlan Abdul Rahman on behalf of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar.