Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) in order to continue to collaborate with the long-established and professional bodies on 14 September 2019 in Johor Bahru.
The MoU also served as a continuance from the first Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by both parties back in 2009.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Johor Chemistry Carnival (Karnival Kimia Johor) or K2J 2019 organized by the Faculty of Science in collaboration with IKM which took place at Block N24, UTM Johor Bahru.
Programme Coordinator, Dr Sheela Chandren said that many activities and collaboration between both institutions have taken place since 2009.
“These cover a whole range of professional, educational, social and promotional activities in chemistry. Among others are the academic and professional lectures, academic curriculum advisory, UTM Convocation Award and also the carnival itself (Johor Chemistry Carnival).
“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 collaboration through this MoU,” said Dr Sheela.
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 a chemistry alumnus of UTM, YB Cheo Yee How.
Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Majid, Chairman of IKM (Southers Branch), Mr. ChM. Soh Song Chaw and Honorary Secretary of IKM Southern Branch, Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Jafariah Jaafar.
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.
“As for the IKM side, this institution will stand to receive long term benefits from this partnership and continuously playing a leading role in the development of chemistry professions in Malaysia,” said Dr Sheela.
K2J 2019 attracted participation from 880 participants from 39 secondary schools around the state of Johor.
Among activities organized were science lecture, interactive chemistry demonstration, chemistry innovation exhibition, science showcase and a variety of competition involving science and chemistry.
The main intentions of K2J 2019 were to cultivate the interest and passion among teachers and school students towards the knowledge of science and chemistry through creative and practical learning method.