PERDA, USM Elevate  Strategic Cooperation To Develop Human Capital

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 18 (Bernama) – The Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) has strengthened its strategic cooperation with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to develop human capital, enhance research and stimulate entrepreneurship among the local community.  

PERDA chairman Datuk Dr. Shaik Hussein Mydin said the collaboration leverages the technical expertise of both parties, particularly in improving the skills of students and instructors at PERDA-TECH as well as producing competitive and professional entrepreneurs.  

“This collaboration not only adds value to human capital development but also supports the agenda of research, innovation and product commercialisation as a catalyst for the local economy.  

“With USM’s research strength and community support, this effort will bring significant benefits to society,” he told Bernama at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between PERDA and USM here today, which was also attended by USM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.  

Shaik Hussein said the MoU signing ceremony was held at USM on Nov 6 last year, with PERDA represented by its General Manager Datuk Mohd Asri Baharum and Abdul Rahman representing the institution of higher learning.  

According to him, the MoU enables both parties to take necessary steps to promote, develop and establish cooperation programmes covering various fields including student and staff exchange, research, education, TVET, entrepreneurship, community development and joint publications.  

As a start, he said two pilot projects have been implemented, the first involving cooperation with PERDA entrepreneur Jeruk Madu Pak Ali to produce value-added organic fertiliser from fruit peel waste pioneered by Dr. Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar from the USM School of Industrial Technology.  

“The second project sees PERDA assisting USM’s subsidiary, IMTANOMIC Sdn Bhd, led by Associate Professor Dr. Majid Khan Majahar Ali in exploring product commercialisation aspects, particularly the development of packaging that enhances market appeal,” he said.  

Earlier at the event, PERDA also handed over a mock cheque worth RM20,000 to two USM spin-off companies, namely IMTANOMIC Sdn Bhd and the Jeruk Pak Ali R&D project, as support for their research and innovation.  

Shaik Hussein said the collaboration between PERDA and USM is expected to further strengthen efforts to develop rural communities, provide entrepreneurial opportunities and expand access to education and skills relevant to the job market.  

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman expressed hope that PERDA will continue to be a key strategic partner in bringing USM’s research technology into real-world applications, thus positioning PERDA at the forefront of innovation and research that supports the development of entrepreneurs in Penang.  

“The success of the two pilot projects demonstrates how both parties complement each other for the benefit of entrepreneurs and society. Therefore, USM believes that the scope of cooperation can continue to be expanded by applying more technologies developed at USM for PERDA’s use,” he said. 

— BERNAMA