Note: To all TAR UMT collaborators and industry partners who require a soft copy of the AEP logo, please contact our Centre for Business Incubation and Entrepreneurial Ventures (CBIEV) at cbiev@tarc.edu.my.
On 6 March 2024, TAR UMT organised the TAR UMT InnoGratitude Day to appreciate the various industry partners that have established collaborations with the University, resulting in progressive contributions to the SME industry and TAR UMT’s research efforts.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Industry Partner and Academic Awards to 63 industry partners who attended the ceremony. Presenting the awards to the industry partners was Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, TARC Education Foundation, who expressed his appreciation for the support from TAR UMT’s industry partners. He was accompanied by Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Member of the Board of Governors (BOG), TAR UMT, and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT.
“Industry collaboration is an important aspect in TAR UMT’s growth to become a leading university capable of transforming the future. By bridging the academia with the industry, we can create a dynamic ecosystem where theoretical concepts are refined, tested, and transformed into tangible solutions. Today’s event shows that TAR UMT is on the right track to accomplish this aspiration as outlined in TAR UMT’s 10-Year Roadmap, which is to be a leader in innovative academia-industry collaborations and partnerships,” said Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee in his opening speech.
He also unveiled the Academia Enterprise Partnership (AEP) logo during the celebration. The logo is an exclusive symbol that represents the valuable collaborations and partnerships TAR UMT has forged and a celebration of the working relationship towards advancing knowledge, skills sharing and bridging the academia-industry gap.
Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee (third from left) giving the thumbs up after unveiling the AEP logo (shown in the background) during the TAR UMT InnoGratitude Day. Accompanying him on stage are (from left): Prof Dr Chong Shyue Chuan, Director of SME Centre, TAR UMT, Prof Dr Loke Chui Fung, Vice President of TAR UMT, Prof Ir Dr Lee, Datuk Chong, Prof Dr Lim Tong Ming, Director of Centre For Business Incubation and Entrepreneurial Ventures (CBIEV), TAR UMT, and Dr Chook Ka Joo, Vice President of TAR UMT.
“It is imperative that we continue to build and strengthen our partnerships. By fostering an environment where academia and industry can collaborate seamlessly, we can unlock the full potential of human ingenuity, drive meaningful change, and build a brighter tomorrow for generations to come,” Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee added.
The TAR UMT InnoGratitude Day also featured an exhibition area filled with a wealth of innovative ideas, products, and initiatives that are a result of successful projects executed between TAR UMT and industry partners. Among them is Technology Visionaries Sdn Bhd, who has been working with TAR UMT since 2021.
“Our partnership with TAR UMT has always been a mutually beneficial relationship. Even though students were expected to learn from the industries, sometimes we were able to get new and fresh perspectives from the students, which is a pleasant surprise!” said Mr Andrew Kristofores, Head Product Development, Technology Visionaries Sdn Bhd.
Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee (front row third from left) checking out one of the many exhibition booths at the TAR UMT InnoGratitude Day. Accompanying him are (front row from right) Datuk Chong and Prof Ir Dr Lee.
Alice Foong, Senior Manager of Leet Capital Sdn Bhd, was also impressed with the result of TAR UMT’s efforts in trying to close the academia-industry gap through extensive collaborations and partnerships.
“I saw a lot of innovative ideas and interesting products presented in the exhibition, which proves that TAR UMT is making good progress in bridging the gap between academia and industry. We look forward to continue working closely with TAR UMT and contribute to the growth and progress for both academia and industry sectors,” she said.
