Our focus is on building innovation ecosystems through collaboration with academia, corporations, government entities and entrepreneurs, both locally and regionally. The emphasis is on high-impact, industry-relevant and enterprise-driven research that aligns with national and community priorities.
In this context, we have been striving to lift the level at which research is translated into end-use applications. To achieve this, we have consistently worked towards building closer ties between UTP’s talented researchers and the businesses whose operations can be improved, strengthened and made more competitive through effective research collaboration.
Our focus is on megatrends that are set to have a strong impact on society and the economy. They are the driving force behind our research efforts to help businesses achieve operational excellence. Our research teams are therefore hand-picked based on their competencies, and carefully mentored to maximise their strengths, capabilities and contribution. They strongly supported the university’s Business & Development Unit which is highly advanced. It plays a key role in developing business strategies to enhance networking and collaboration.
Over the past two years, we have given serious thought to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Research, Innovation & Commercialisation division. This has resulted in the initiation of a five-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening our resilience and consolidating our financial position:
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The nexus for technology transfer will enable us to work with universities in other countries to upscale research projects and expand their market potential. We have begun setting up a halal food technology transfer unit in Saudi Arabia and halal food block chain in Indonesia and the Philippines.
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Commercialisation of research projects provides important evidence of the impact of research outcomes while being a vital aspect of income generation. Our commercialisation arm is therefore being strengthened to give us fresh perspectives on R&D opportunities and access to industry knowledge and expertise.
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Recognising that university partnerships provide substantial research opportunities alongside the exchange of ideas and expertise, we are expanding regional collaboration. We will build on our existing mature relationships with Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand and are looking at the other ‘new’ world economies beyond BRICS, as well as at Turkey and Mexico.
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As we work to build the industries of the future, we need to equip the next generation of professionals with the most up-to-date knowledge, skill-sets and abilities. We are therefore strengthening and expanding our capabilities through playing a leading role in new business development in PETRONAS and other corporations, thus giving our researchers a world-class training experience.
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We plan to generate funding through UTP’s Centre for Advanced Professional Education (CAPE) that offers courses to develop professional skills and knowledge. We have already secured training under the Government’s PENJANA programme which is set to be a game-changer. Last year, this programme garnered RM3.5 million in revenue.
Although the pandemic has been disruptive, it has also provided us with a unique opportunity to renew and redefine our approaches and strategies. In addition to innovating our practices of teaching and learning, we have done a lot of planning and preparation in cultivating fertile ground to seed new projects, furthering our mission to deliver world-class research and teaching.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation & Commercialisation
