UTP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) to collaborate in the areas of academic, research and technology particularly in energy, green hydrogen, big data, circular economy, innovation and engineering.
The virtual signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone as it brings together two universities from different continents under a single purpose; to provide technological solutions to meet the challenges of energy transition.
At the virtual event, UTP was represented by its Vice Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, while USACH was represented by its Rector Dr Juan Manuel Zolezzi Cid.
The signing was witnessed by Ambassador of Chile to Malaysia H.E. Diego Velasco and UTP Chairman and PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Project Delivery and Technology, Bacho Pilong. ProChile General Director Jorge O’Ryan also graced the event through a recorded congratulatory message.
According to Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim, “The MoU is a testament of UTP's continuous effort in realising its aspiration to become a prominent internationally-recognised higher learning institution. Through this partnership, we hope to unlock new potential and opportunities for our students and staff to experience.
“As leading universities, both UTP and USACH play a vital role in exploring new technological innovation and inventions, particularly in renewable hydrogen technology, to future-proof our institutions. Adoption of methods and improvement in technologies will lead to competitiveness and wealth creation. Therefore, it is very important for universities to encourage strategic collaboration for quick wins such as upskilling and reskilling.”
In his speech, Bacho Pilong said, “PETRONAS’ ventures into hydrogen are built upon our experience in extracting blue hydrogen from our facilities and as a proven, reliable global LNG supplier. With the expanding renewables portfolio, strong partnerships and advanced electrolysis R&D, PETRONAS is poised to become a competitive green hydrogen solutions provider.”
Meanwhile, Dr Juan Manuel Zolezzi Cid said, "At USACH, we know internationalisation is key to our university work facing the challenge of adapting to the new 21st century demands. We recognise it is fundamental to connect with other institutions so we can jointly contribute to the industrial strengthening of our countries and society through R&D and technology transfer.
“This new alliance we are starting with UTP in Malaysia will favour us to keep strengthening teaching, research, and collaborative work so we can endure the claim of developing clean technologies, especially in the green hydrogen value chain.
“I am certain this project, that started thanks to the efforts of the Embassy, ProChile, the Center for Hydrogen Economy, and the Office for Engagement and External Affairs at the Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with UTP, will benefit both our communities, creating new opportunities of exchange and cooperation to improve people’s quality of life,” he added.
In his speech, Jorge O’Ryan said, “The signing of this MoU is our strategic plan to promote international trade through exports, thus diversifying the possibilities of reaching international markets. The teamwork and close collaboration between the Chilean Ambassador to Malaysia, the ProChile Representative in Malaysia and the InvestChile Representative are highly appreciated for spotlighting PETRONAS’ edge as a potential commercial partner of Chile for the green hydrogen sector.”
Believing in the strength of synergy, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS has long established collaborations with local and foreign universities and continues to expand its network of academic partners to advance mutual progress.
