Penang, 24 June 2025 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has taken another meaningful step in strengthening ties with its alumni through the inaugural “Sembang Santai Endowmen Naib Canselor”, an informal yet impactful dialogue session led by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, with several distinguished alumni.
Held at Royale Chulan, Penang, the session brought together prominent UTM alumni who have made significant strides in the technology and engineering sectors, both locally and globally. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Kalai Selvan Subramaniam, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Infinecs Systems; Mr. Swee Kiang (SK) Fong, CEO of SkyeChip; and Ts. Muhammad Amin Ahmad Zakiyuddin, Director of Indah Engineers Sdn. Bhd. These individuals exemplify UTM’s vision of nurturing world-class graduates—individuals equipped with technical leadership, global exposure, and entrepreneurial spirit.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry expressed deep appreciation for the alumni’s continued connection with their alma mater.
“It is truly heartening to see how our alumni not only carry UTM’s name with pride but also remain committed to giving back to the university that laid the foundation for their success.”
He added,“To date, UTM alumni who lead major companies and industries have played a significant role in creating opportunities for our students, particularly through industry internships and employment pathways.”
Beyond employability, UTM alumni have also been instrumental in advancing academic and research initiatives. For example, SkyeChip, founded by a UTM alumnus, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university and actively engages in academic collaborations to drive progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC).
Meanwhile, Infinecs Systems, through its collaboration with UTM, was involved in the development of iBreath, which is a project that has gained international recognition for its innovation and impact.
Also present were key university leaders including UTM’s Board of Director Member, Dato’ Ir. Mohammed Noor Abu Hassan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat; UTM Advancement Chair, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Boon; UTM Endowment Director, Associate Prof. Dr. Robiah Suratman; UTM Alumni Director, Associate Prof. Dr. Hisyam Rasidi; and Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Ir. Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Marsono.
Though relaxed in tone, the discussion was rich with insights and forward-thinking ideas ranging from strengthening alumni networks to expanding endowment efforts and boosting industry-university collaboration.
This engagement marks the beginning of a more structured and strategic approach to alumni relations, led personally by the Vice-Chancellor. At its core lies the belief that UTM alumni are not merely former students, but strategic partners in the university’s ongoing journey of impact, innovation, and global excellence.
As UTM continues to scale new heights, it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that wherever they may be in the world, its alumni always feel that UTM is close to their heart and their home.
Seated from left : Mr. Swee Kiang (SK) Fong, CEO of SkyeChip, UTM’s Board of Director Member, Dato’ Ir. Mohammed Noor Abu Hassan, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Kalai Selvan Subramaniam, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Infinecs Systems and Ts. Muhammad Amin Ahmad Zakiyuddin, Director of Indah Engineers Sdn. Bhd
