Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED) took a significant step towards strengthening ties in research, innovation, and engineering through a recent collaborative workshop.
The groundwork for this collaboration was laid in September last year where a pivotal meeting between UTP representatives, and CHED's Director-In-Charge of International Affairs Service, Attorney Lily Freida M. Milia, opened doors for future partnerships.
This initial dialogue paved the way for a more substantial meeting in November 2023, where UTP representatives connected with leading universities in engineering and research from the Philippines, including Palawan State University, Western Philippines University, Batangas State University, Kalinga State University, Guimaras State University, Technological University of the Philippines, and University of Southeastern Philippines.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in the UTP-CHED relationship. It gathered UTP Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Ir Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Ir Dr Hilmi Mukhtar, UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Affairs Professor Ir Ts Dr Nor Hisham Hamid, UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Associate Professor Ts Dr Mohd Fadzil Hassan, UTP faculty, CHED Regional Directors - Dr Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr (Cordillera region) and Dr Jimmy Guisdan Catanes (Mimaropa region) and representatives from seven Philippine universities.
Their focus was on aligning with CHED's objectives and developing concrete plans in areas like academic programs, staff development, research collaboration, and student initiatives.
Discussions centred on fostering excellence in research, innovation, and engineering, particularly for petroleum and energy fields.
As the workshop concluded, delegates embarked on finalising the collaboration model and establishing a consortium or network bridging UTP and CHED's partner universities. This consortium holds the promise of forging enduring bonds and propelling shared aspirations in higher education.
The formalisation of these efforts is anticipated with the upcoming signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a consortium between CHED, UTP, and the participating universities, solidifying a long-term commitment to advancing academic excellence, research, student development, and international collaboration.
This collaborative effort between UTP and Philippine universities presents a promising future for educational advancement in Malaysia and Philippines, fostering a new generation of talented researchers, academics, and leaders.
