Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Signs MOU with University Of Southampton UK (21 January 2013)
The University of Southampton, a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for high quality, top-notch research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP). The signing was a step towards opening pathways for research and academic-related collaborations between both universities.
The MoU was signed between Professor Mark Spearing, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), University of Southampton and YBhg. Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice-Chancellor, UTP. The event was also graced by Dr Mohamed Ali Abdul Rahman, Director of Institutions Governance Division, Ministry of Higher Education, Private Higher Education representing YBhg. Datin Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Deputy Director General, Private Higher Education Management Sector, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education.
“Developing educational and research partnerships between universities, especially between a local and foreign university like today’s effort between University of Southampton and UTP is applauded because it largely benefits the students through the exposure and experience of working and living in a global economy and a multicultural world,” said Dr Mohamed Ali.
Whether it is through approved joint or dual degrees, collaborative research or internship opportunities, such partnerships not only strengthen students’ education, it enhances the quality of research as well as enables the extension and application of knowledge to address both local and global needs,” said Dr Mohamed Ali.
“We embrace the benefits of collaborations with UTP, and the opportunities they bring to our University, our partners and our students. We enter into collaborations which are aligned to the University Strategy, ensuring that our education is shaped by our culture of research and enterprise,” said Professor Mark Spearing, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), University of Southampton.
Following this MoU, University of Southampton and its Malaysia campus will be forging closer and stronger ties with UTP to develop academic exchanges and cooperation in teaching and research through collaborations which include information sharing sessions, joint academic and scientific activities such as seminars and conferences, academic exchanges and student exchanges opportunities, and joint application of research and development grants.
"This MoU reflects UTP and Southampton’s joint commitment to increasing collaboration on research projects. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that UTP researchers will be able to move forward in their research endeavours and are well-equipped to innovate new products with support provided by one of the UK’s leading universities in research," said YBhg. Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim.
“Southampton’s world-class facilities include UK’s most extensive university-based large wind tunnel complex, facilities for surface engineering and electrochemistry, unique imaging capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities for micro- and nanofabrication. These, combined with skilled and highly motivated people provide the foundations for our research, education and enterprise activities and we look forward to using these capabilities to support UTP in its research endeavours,” said Spearing.
We are pleased to be working with a great partner in UTP who have recently achieved a Tier 5 (Excellent) rating under the 2011 Rating System for Institutions of Higher Learning (SETARA) and a 5 Star rating under 2011 MyRA (Malaysian Research Assessment Instrument) for local universities. As a world class research-intensive University in our own right, our collaboration with one of the best Malaysian research universities is truly exhilarating,” said Spearing.
In November 2012, University of Southampton applied for a Long Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS) from the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) together with UTP’s Faculty of Applied Sciences and Information Technology on ionic liquid treatment for palm oil wastewaters. The aim of the research is to degrade pollutants from the wastewaters using ionic liquid before releasing the water into the environment. Part of the research also looks into turning pollutants extracted from the wastewaters into useful commercial products.
UTP envisaged this collaboration as part of their efforts in continuing their globalisation initiative with more systematic yet rigorous manner. They believe that in this era of a converging world smart partnership with universities locally and internationally for academic and research programs would expand their knowledge to a great depth and breadth for the intellectual and professional growth of their students. With the strong industrial back up by PETRONAS they perceive this collaboration as winning end to both parties. The application of Long Term Fundamental Research Grant Scheme initiated by UTP would be the inception of this long term collaboration.
Through this partnership, Southampton aspires to cultivate further the research atmosphere in the Malaysia Campus through partnerships with local Malaysian universities with research status.
