đź“ť Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has partnered with CDL Academy, the professional learning arm of YTL Cement Berhad, to enhance engineering education. This collaboration aims to integrate academic learning with industry needs, focusing on areas like forensic engineering and sustainable construction. The partnership will facilitate joint research, curriculum development, and professional training to produce future-ready engineers equipped to address complex global challenges.
PETALING JAYA, Jan 9 – As engineering practice worldwide faces growing demands for safety, sustainability and accountability, closer integration between universities and industry has become essential in preparing future-ready talent. In response to this global shift, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has formalised a strategic partnership with CDL Academy Sdn. Bhd., the professional learning platform under YTL Cement Berhad, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Wisma YTL Cement.
The MoU was signed by UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim and Chairman of CDL Academy Sdn. Bhd. Dato’ Sr. Mohd Zaid Zakaria, in the presence of Director of CDL Academy Sdn. Bhd. Datuk Aziyah Mohamed and senior representatives from both institutions. The collaboration represents a shared commitment to advancing industry-relevant engineering education, applied research and professional development in Malaysia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry highlighted the evolving expectations placed on engineers in an increasingly complex and technology-driven landscape.
“Engineering education today must go beyond strong theoretical foundations,” he said. “Graduates are expected to operate confidently in real-world environments, address sustainability challenges and uphold high standards of professional practice. University–industry collaboration is therefore no longer optional, but essential.”
The partnership builds upon an earlier engagement between UTM’s Forensic Engineering Centre and CDL Academy on 19 June 2025, demonstrating how sustained collaboration can evolve from shared expertise and aligned objectives. Through the MoU, both institutions will work together on joint research initiatives in forensic engineering and sustainable construction, curriculum development to enhance industry relevance, and the co-organisation of seminars, workshops and professional training programmes.
In addition, the collaboration will support continuous professional development for engineers, facilitate knowledge exchange and access to industry data, encourage innovation in sustainable construction practices, and enable staff exchange programmes between academia and industry. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between academic research and professional application, ensuring that learning and innovation remain closely connected to industry needs.
The focus on forensic engineering and sustainable construction reflects growing global priorities related to infrastructure safety, risk management and environmental responsibility. By embedding these areas into education, research and professional training, the partnership positions UTM graduates and professionals to contribute effectively to complex engineering challenges faced by industry and society.
The collaboration also aligns closely with UTM ASCEND 2030, the University’s strategic plan to produce globally competitive graduates and strengthen its international standing. Strategic industry partnerships such as this play an important role in reinforcing employer confidence in UTM graduates by ensuring that skills, competencies and professional exposure remain relevant and current.
“By combining UTM’s academic and research strengths with CDL Academy’s industrial expertise, we create a platform that benefits students, academics and industry professionals alike,” Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry added. “Our goal is to translate this agreement into real impact through education, research and professional practice.”
The signing ceremony was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Hainin, Director of UTM’s Forensic Engineering Centre Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Noor Nabilah Sarbini, and representatives from both organisations.
Through this collaboration, UTM and CDL Academy aim to strengthen the pipeline of engineering talent equipped with technical competence, ethical grounding and industry-ready skills, contributing to sustainable development and reinforcing the role of engineering education in addressing national and global challenges.
