MBPP, UTM Form Strategic Partnership On Education, Urban Development

GEORGE TOWN, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has entered into a strategic partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to collaborate in education, research, development, innovation, commercialisation, and training, particularly in areas related to integrated development and management.

State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the five-year collaboration involves MBPP staff, UTM academics, and students.

“Today, MBPP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UTM with the primary aim of enhancing cooperation in public awareness initiatives and human capital development through structured and comprehensive engagement.

“It also aims to apply science and technology to enhance community well-being, including research and monitoring to address slope failure issues,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony at The Top, Komtar.

The MoU was signed by MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.

Rajendran said the partnership includes knowledge-sharing in science and technology, research and development (R&D) for innovation, and capacity-building initiatives.

To ensure effective implementation, MBPP and UTM will establish a joint management committee, co-chaired by MBPP, to coordinate the MoU’s programmes.

He said the collaboration will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between UTM researchers and MBPP professionals, particularly in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for slope monitoring, maintenance, and mitigation in hilly terrain.

UTM is highly experienced in slope-related research, and we hope this MoU will help us better address high-risk slope failure areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof Mohd Shafry welcomed MBPP’s recognition of UTM’s capabilities and said the partnership would contribute to national sustainability and public well-being.

He added that UTM’s slope technologies are mature and ready for deployment, and the university is prepared to provide relevant training to all stakeholders.

-- BERNAMA