USM PENANG, 16 April 2024 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, was honoured to receive a courtesy visit today from representatives of Petronas Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB), led by a distinguished researcher from PRSB, Hazratul Mumtaz Lahuri.

The meeting was facilitated by Usains Infotech, the corporate arm of USM, which has been at the forefront of conducting contract research for various government and private sector agencies.

During the meeting, Abdul Rahman expressed his pleasure in saying that USM is delighted to host the esteemed guests which signifies the strong partnership between both parties, which began in March 2020.

“Our commitment to excellence in research and innovation has led to numerous successful collaborations, and today, we are proud to showcase our ongoing partnership with PRSB,” said Abdul Rahman.

Hazratul then highlighted PRSB's vision for closer collaboration with USM, and remarked that the visit provided an opportunity to explore future cooperation, contributing to the advancement of science and technology.

Among the highlights of the collaboration with PRSB are the two ongoing mutual research projects: "CO2 Gasification of Carbon Black to Syngas" and "Development of Microwave Reactor for Catalytic CO2 Gasification of Petroleum Coke."

The meeting then continued with a short discussion between both parties, focusing on potential future collaborations.

Representatives from selected schools, primarily from USM's Schools of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering shared insights into their respective strengths and proposed strategies to strengthen the partnership.

The exchange of ideas and proposals is is expected to lay the groundwork for innovative and impactful collaborations between USM and PRSB in the years to come.

Also present were the USM Director of Engineering Campus, Professor Datin Dr. Azlina Harun@ Kamaruddin; USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd Group Managing Director, Farid Wajidi Mat Yusof; USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. Head of Business and Operations, Nathalie Yong Moi Yin; PRSB researchers; principal officers of USM and USAINS Infotech Sdn. Bhd.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa