By: Azman Zakaria

Photo: Marina Ismail

SERDANG, Feb 21: The Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a bilateral collaboration on conducting aviation-based research.

The partnership covers a wide-range of aspects including research, education, and economics.

It includes student and academic staff exchange, joint research and research and development (R&D) activities.

The MoU was signed by UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ts. Dr. M. Iqbal Saripan and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin on behalf of UPM, while MAB was represented by the Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Operating Officer, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi and Manager of Business and Development, Engineering Training Department, Dr. Umran Abdul Rahman.

The signing of MoU was witnessed by the Deputy Human Resource Minister, Dato' Mahuz Omar. Also present was the Director of UPM Press, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohamed Thariq Hameed Sultan.

Prof. Ts. Dr. M. Iqbal said the collaboration would create an opportunity for UPM students to contribute their expertise to the country's aerospace industry.

"We hope all the activities and collaborative projects undertaken through this MoU will produce intellectual property that can be developed to the point of commercialisation that would benefit both parties," he said.

He said the collaboration would also provide staff and students with the opportunity to conduct joint research with the Malaysia Airlines with no financial implications, while academics who are on industrial attachment or sabbatical would not be charged with placement fees.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Luqman said the MoU would provide collaborative opportunities for both UPM and MAB entities in furthering the development of the aviation industry and together bridge the gap between theory and practical training.

“The Malaysia Airlines has the expertise in maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). As a national carrier, we are excited to share this expertise in the pursuit of producing highly qualified graduates to meet the demand of a highly competitive job market," he said. - UPM

Date of Input: 27/02/2020 | Updated: 27/02/2020 | hairul_nizam