JOHOR BAHRU, May 26 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM) have once again renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a continuing journey of collaboration that has strengthened chemistry education, professional growth, and community engagement for more than a decade.
The MoU renewal ceremony, held at UTM Johor Bahru, reflects the shared vision of both institutions to promote chemistry not just as an academic subject, but as a living, dynamic field that can shape industry, inspire youth, and serve society. The formal signing was carried out by UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim and IKM President Datuk ChM. Dr. Soon Ting Kueh.
Also present were several key figures who have played active roles in sustaining the partnership: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science; ChM. Yap Fei Ching, Chair of the IKM Southern Branch; ChM. Tn. Hj. Khairul Hadi Hj. Abd Raof, Director of Department of Chemistry (KIMIA) Malaysia Johor and Advisor to the Southern Branch; committee members of the IKM Southern Branch; and ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren, Senior Lecturer at UTM’s Department of Chemistry and Vice-Chair of the IKM Southern Branch, who also served as the person-in-charge (PIC) for this MoU renewal.
The partnership between UTM and IKM began as a professional link between academia and the national chemistry body—but over the years, it has evolved into a deeply collaborative relationship, rooted in shared values and mutual trust. It has led to numerous initiatives that directly benefit students, academics, and the broader community.
One of the most consistent contributions from IKM Southern Branch has been its sponsorship of the UTM Convocation Academic Excellence Award, introduced in 2017. The award recognises the most outstanding graduates in chemistry—those who have shown not only academic brilliance but resilience, curiosity, and the drive to contribute to the field. For many students, this recognition has been a turning point—a validation that their efforts matter and that the profession welcomes them.
Equally impactful is the Karnival Kimia Malaysia Johor (K2M Johor), co-hosted annually by UTM and IKM since 2011. The carnival goes far beyond academic showcases. It is a grassroots science festival that brings chemistry into the heart of communities—through school programmes, hands-on experiments, exhibitions, and public talks. It’s where young students first discover the excitement of scientific exploration and where families gain appreciation for the role of chemistry in everything from healthcare to clean water.
This outreach spirit is part of what makes the UTM-IKM collaboration so meaningful. It moves beyond institutional walls and actively invites the public into the world of science. As a result, the partnership not only supports future chemists but helps foster a more scientifically literate society—an increasingly vital goal in today’s world.
Over the years, this collaboration has also opened doors for professional recognition. Many UTM faculty members and students have been honoured with prestigious IKM awards such as the Fellowship Award, Outstanding Young Chemist Award, and the Graduate Chemistry Medal. These accolades are more than just personal achievements; they’re evidence of the quality, dedication, and impact of UTM’s chemistry community.
Reflecting on the renewal, ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren shared, “What stands out in this collaboration is how it consistently puts people first—students, educators, and the wider community. It’s about creating real opportunities, grounded in a shared purpose to advance chemistry not just as a discipline, but as a way to serve society.”
As the collaboration moves into its next phase, both UTM and IKM are setting their sights on future initiatives—most notably the upcoming Chemistry Programme Standards Review. This initiative will ensure that UTM’s curriculum remains globally relevant and aligned with evolving industry needs while maintaining the academic rigor and ethical grounding that both institutions hold dear.
Importantly, the MoU also reinforces a deeper kind of partnership—one built not only on official agreements but also on the sustained efforts of individuals who believe in the transformative power of education. The presence and support of the IKM Southern Branch committee members at the ceremony highlighted the community spirit that continues to underpin this partnership.
Ultimately, this MoU renewal is more than the continuation of formal cooperation. It is a reaffirmation of a shared belief: that chemistry when nurtured with purpose and people at its core, can open doors, shape futures, and make a real difference in the world.
Prepared by: ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren