“The Transformation Office aims to facilitate and coordinate the UTP Transformation Journey from a teaching university to a Malaysian premier research university by 2013 and to position UTP as the Top 200 internationally-ranked university by 2020.”

1.   UTP Transformation Journey

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has undergone significant changes and developments since its inception in 1997. The University is currently embarking upon a transformation journey in view of the recent developments and strategic changes undertaken by the Ministry of Higher Education as well as PETRONAS’ technology agenda. The transformation is seen as timely and vital especially towards achieving UTP’s aspiration of becoming an internationally-ranked university.

The UTP Transformation Plan, and its implementation, was approved by the Institute of Technology PETRONAS Sdn Bhd (ITPSB) Board on 11 December 2009. The launching of UTP Transformation, on 21 July 2010, marks the beginning of the journey towards realizing the aspiration of becoming an internationally recognised partner of choice for industries and a respected member of the scientific community by the year 2020. UTP has set up the Transformation Office to execute the Transformation Agenda.

1.1   Planning


The transformation journey is planned based on a rigorous and thorough study as directed by the Rector (now Vice Chancellor), YBhg. Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Bin Hj Kasim and headed by the then Director of Research Enterprise Office (now Research and Innovation Office), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib. The objective of the study was to develop a detailed and strategic plan (Transformation Plan), making a positive shift, to become a world class Research University. This study had examined, evaluated and deliberated the ways and means of transforming the University into becoming a Research University for increasing its competitiveness. Analyses were performed based on rigorous data collection, through local and international benchmarking exercises, for enhancement of the current research endeavour in the University and in deliberating development of new research areas.


1.2   Outcomes


By the end of the study, nine strategic niche areas were indentified and referred to as Mission-Oriented Research (MOR). The nine MOR areas are currently known as:

• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• CO2 Management
• Deepwater Technology
• Hybrid Energy Systems
• Green Technology
• Sustainable Resources
• Nanotechnology
• Bio-medical Technology
• Intelligent City
  
  
  

1.3   Execution


The success of the implementation of the Transformation Plan also lies in examining the critical gaps in the resources, the infrastructure and manpower requirements to sustain the transformation journey. A team led by the Registrar, En. Solihuddin Ahmad Nasarudin, was entrusted to steer the journey on the right track so that UTP could achieve its first milestone, that is to become a national Research University by 2013. To streamline, facilitate and expedite all activities, a new dedicated team, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hilmi Mukhtar, was formed after the UTP restructuring exercise in April 2011.



2.   Transformation Office



2.1   Staff

2.2    Contact Information

Assoc Prof Dr Hilmi Mukhtar
Director of Transformation Office
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Bandar Seri Iskandar
31750 Tronoh, Perak
Malaysia