JOHOR BAHRU – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) on 16th December 2020 to embark on collaboration efforts in the field of research and academic, and commercialisation outcomes for Bio-hythane Technology in evaluating the potential nanomaterial in enhancing biogas production.
The signing ceremony was held online via Webex platform from UTM Johor Bahru campus and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India. It was represented by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) of UTM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ismid Md Said and the Dean of Alumni Affairs and International Programmes of IITD, Prof. Dr. Naveen Garg.
The established UTM Campus Sustainability (UTMCS) was recognised and moving towards the renowned Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) hub under Sustainability University Network across our nation and region. Its function is to realise a sustainable lifestyle as a personal and communal culture that provides positive examples to the future generation for them to emulate and continuously improve.
The UTMCS Director, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md Din said that the collaboration between both parties was timely as both institutions acknowledged the importance of taking necessary efforts towards the immediate action-plan of young researchers’ platform, especially the co-support from UTMshine under the lead of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainul Akmar.
“This event is definitely in line with UTM pledge to ensure its high commitment from UTMShine fellows to transform the recent agenda from enVision 2025 globally especially from this reputable Indian institution,” said Prof. Fadhil.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Naveen Garg said that the main objective of this MoU is to seal the agreement for the research project under MESTECC.
“The first project of networking and related research elements was started between Prof. Kamal Pant (Chemical Engineering) and Prof. Ir Dr. Mohd Fadhil in producing methane gas from biological activity.
“Recently, both agreed to expand the future collaboration, “Bio-hythane Technology from Biological Palm Oil Mill Effluent” under various international research platforms. This project will not only be between IITD-UTM but also with Tohoku University of Japan,” said Prof. Naveen.
The Tohoku University will be joining the project as a co-partner in evaluating the potential nanomaterials in enhancing biogas production.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ismid in his speech mentioned that the ultimate goal of this MoU is to establish collaboration in matters pertaining to research, development and training that will benefit both parties.
“The signing of this MoU is seen to be able to open a wider space for both parties to formulate more strategic and structured academic and research cooperation plans,” said Dr. Mohd Ismid.
Dr. Mohd Ismid also added that with this MoU, many other areas of research will follow when various faculties in UTM are given the opportunity to be involved, similar to other technical and engineering networking.
“It also will further enhance the level of knowledge and skills of the various parties involved and surely will position the university to a higher level in the world,” said Dr. Mohd Ismid.
The signing of MoU between the two institutions has symbolized a partnership that will lead to many new joint research initiatives, synergies, and other value-added activities for both UTM and IITD in the years ahead.
“On behalf of UTM, we hoped that this MoU would be the starting point for future partnership in the sharing of expertise, especially for further research activities in both countries.
