Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. (BPC) for more collaborations on transferring technology and knowledge-sharing for development in the fields of engineering and technology, as well as exchanging scientific expertise, all of which would be beneficial to not only UMP students for improving their competency and employability, but also industry partners from the perspective of reduction of the loss of explicit and tacit technical know-hows.
The MoU is in line with an aspiration of UMP, entitled “Communitising Technology,’ which highlights commitments by UMP in utilising technology to serve the local community, socially, economically, and environmentally. To elaborate, this exceptional MoU includes the following seven key components:
- talent sourcing for BPC’s own GROW programme and other permanent employments;
- academic development programme;
- industry excellence award sponsorship programme;
- industrial placement training for staff and student;
- leadership and professional development programme;
- sharing of expertise in research and facilities;
- corporate social responsibility and sustainability-related initiatives.
The MoU was signed by Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing Mohd Nasir Bin Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor of UMP, and Dr. Sven Crone, BPC Managing Director on 18 December 2018 at UMP Pekan, Malaysia, Zairul Alwi, BPC Human Resource Management Director, and Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail, UMP Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industrial and Community Relations).
Professor Dato’ Sri Ts. Dr. Daing said: “This win-win collaboration with BPC will bring about exchange of experts, research development, training, and industrial relation for mutual benefits in technical know-how, process optimisation, and human capital development.” He also elaborated that UMP can play a bigger role in matters involving research and development, as well as sharing of facilities, data, knowledge, and skills in related areas, with the scientific and technology expertise that they are having.
“The signing of this MoU with UMP is just timely and will strengthen the readily concrete relationship,” said Dr. Sven Crone after handing over a mock cheque for RM10,000 to UMP as BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Excellence Award to be given to outstanding UMP graduates beginning this year, for five years.
Universiti Malaysia Pahang is a QS five-star public technical university in Malaysia. BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based joint venture between BASF and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multinational, under its subsidiary PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG). This MoU marks innovative strengths and capabilities of a well-established university and a leading chemical company.