JOHOR BAHRU, 14 September 2019 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has always maintained its sight in strengthening strategic alliances with renowned professional and scientific bodies. One of the established collaborations is with Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM), or the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry. IKM is a statutory professional organization incorporated under the Chemists Act 1975 and is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC).
Since the first MoU signing between UTM and IKM in 2009, many joint activities have been organised between the institutions. These activities cover a wide range of professional, educational, social and promotional activities in chemistry. Among others are academic and professional lectures, academic curriculum advisory, UTM Convocation Award and the Johor Chemistry Carnival (Karnival Kimia Johor).
In view of the effectiveness of the existing MoU, as evident through the strong commitment and active involvement of both UTM and IKM, both institutions have agreed to renew the MoU. UTM was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail while the President of IKM, Datuk ChM. Dr. Soon Ting Kueh represented IKM. The ceremony was witnessed by ADUN Perling who is also a chemistry alumni of UTM, YB Cheo Yee How. Also present were PM ChM. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Majid (Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science UTM), Mr. ChM. Soh Song Chaw (Chairman, IKM Southern Branch) and PM ChM. Dr. Jafariah Jaafar (Honorary Secretary, IKM Southern Branch).
This MoU further promotes the strategic collaboration between the institutions in terms of developing the professional capabilities and competencies of UTM and IKM members. Through this collaboration, UTM will also benefit through the strengthening of academic curriculum via standard chemistry program and enhancing its graduate employability. Meanwhile, IKM will stand to receive long-term benefits from this partnership in continuously playing a leading role in the development of chemistry professions in Malaysia.
Prepared by: Dr. Mohd Bakri Bakar and Dr. Sheela Chandren