Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Agensi Innovasi Malaysia (AIM), a statutory body established by the Malaysian government, as part of the government’s effort to set up the National Technology Commercialisation Office (NTCO).  The event was held at Tunku Abdul Rahman College, Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by the Prime Minister, Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.  UTP was represented by its Vice Chancellor, YBhg. Datuk Dr. Zainal Abidin Hj Kasim.

NTCO is established by AIM in collaboration between the government, academia, industry and the public. Apart from assisting the universities and public research institutions to commercialise their innovations, NTCO also functions as a centre to gather the nation’s innovations for the purpose of commercialisation. 

UTP was among the 26 private and public institutions as well as research institutions that took part in the agreement.  Others include Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Institut Penyelidikan Pembinaan Malaysia (CREAM), Lembaga Getah Malaysia (LGM), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and SIRIM Berhad.

At the same event, UTP and Chan Heng Guan Trading Sdn. Bhd. had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for joint research and development in the area of fire retardant materials. Pursuant to this Memorandum, both UTP and the company will be working closely to commercialize products for the benefits of the industry.

Also present at this event was AIM Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Rozario.