ADVANCING E&E INDUSTRY: USM HOSTS 2023 JPT-KPT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION SERIES
BUKIT JAMBUL PENANG, 9 November 2023 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today hosted the first 2023 JPT-KPT- Industry Roundtable Discussion Series for the Northern Zone, focusing on the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector. The gathering witnessed the participation of 70 delegates from various industries, including 16 academic researchers and 9 government agency representatives.
The programme is aimed to present, discuss, and explore the critical role of academia and industry in fostering the development of research, innovation and a skilled workforce within the E&E industry through collaborative university-industry partnerships.
With the theme ‘Development of Research, Innovative & Ready Talent in the E&E Industry’, the primary objective of the programme is to consolidate efforts in the hope that this programme will effectively achieve its four main goals, namely;
1. gathering insights from both industry experts and academia concerning the development of talent relevant to the E&E Industry sector;
2. strengthening the relationship between industry and academic institutions to facilitate research and innovation aligned with industry demands;
3. enhancing university facilities - such as clean rooms, specialised instruments, and software pertaining to semiconductors - through collaborations between universities and industry partners and
4. proposing solutions to bridge the gap that exists between industry requirements and academic provisions.
The event was held at the Penang Golf Club, in Bukit Jambul, Penang and was graced with the presence of the Director of the Industrial Relations Division, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Dato’ Mohd Sharil Abdullah, representing the Higher Education Director General.
In his officiating speech, Mohd Sharil highlighted the potential opportunities and challenges arising from academia-industry partnerships, emphasising their ability to foster breakthroughs in electronics and electrical engineering.
“The collaboration of academic insights and industrial expertise often leads to innovations that advance the industry, resulting in products and services that enhance daily life and bolster global competitiveness,” said Mohd Sharil.
Mohd Sharil also launched the USM Laboratory and Non-laboratory Services e-book, signifying a significant step toward promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia and industry, opening doors to innovation, research, and technology transfer.
Meanwhile, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed in his welcoming speech said that the discussions will primarily revolve around the development of innovative and well-prepared talent, research and innovation through university-industry partnerships, as well as technology transfer and commercialisation empowerment.
“It is hoped that this roundtable discussion would serve as a platform for meaningful discussions, fruitful collaborations, and offering inspiration that would pave the way for a sustainable future,” he said.
The keynote address was delivered following that by the Head of Talent Programmes, InvestPenang Berhad, Hawani Adnan, who shared valuable insights from InvestPenang.
At the end of the programme, in Exercising the Function of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Associate Professor Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin summarised the discussions, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry and the imperative of their collaboration in addressing the complex challenges currently faced.
Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa
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