JOHOR BAHRU, Mar 21 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd. have officially partnered through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing innovation and research in civil engineering and concrete technology. JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd., a precast concrete and cement factory under the Jin Cheng Group of Companies, is located in Senai and Ulu Choh, Johor, Malaysia.
The signing ceremony took place at UTM’s campus, marking a significant milestone in industry-academia partnerships and reinforcing UTM’s commitment to enhancing research excellence and industry-driven solutions. The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of UTM, and Datuk Bruce Peng Guang Zheng, Director of Operations of JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd. Also present were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Abu Bakar @ Md. Ramli, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) UTM, and Mohamad Shahril Zainul Abidin, QAQC Manager of JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd.
This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications by leveraging UTM’s expertise in sustainable building materials and JCEC Concrete’s leadership in concrete technology. The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives, knowledge transfer, training programs, and the development of innovative construction materials that align with Malaysia’s sustainable development goals.
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias highlighted the importance of such collaborations in driving technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation. “This MoU represents a strategic alignment of academia and industry, ensuring that our research translates into practical and impactful solutions that benefit the construction sector and the nation,” he stated.
Datuk Caven Lam Kek Boon, Executive Director of JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd., expressed the company’s commitment to nurturing students while adapting to technological advancements. He added, “Through our collaboration with UTM, we aim to develop innovative concrete solutions that meet the industry’s evolving demands, with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency.”
The MoU is anticipated to facilitate groundbreaking research projects, internships for UTM students, and the exchange of technical expertise between both organizations. This partnership underscores UTM’s continuous efforts to strengthen its ties with industry players, ensuring that academic research remains relevant and meaningfully contributes to the nation’s development.
With this MoU, UTM and JCEC Concrete Pte. Ltd. embark on a new chapter of collaboration, setting the stage for innovative breakthroughs in construction materials and infrastructure technology.

