Utm Nexus Expo 2023: Bridging Academia And Society For Impact

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Nexus Expo 2023 (NEXPO), a two-day event to showcase the university’s cutting-edge research and academic programmes began today at UTM KL Residensi here, with the participation of more than 460 industry players.

NEXPO which also served as a pivotal platform for interaction, fostering stronger connections between UTM and the wider community, industry players and the public, is part of UTM’s commitment to make a profound impact on society.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal in his officiating speech said NEXPO was organised to align with the current national and global situations in addressing contemporary challenges, especially disruptive technology, food security and climate change.

“This programme is a strategic vehicle to unite various stakeholders and community to observe and witness the research and innovation developed by the university with the cooperation of industries, government and the community.

“I also hope these initiatives carried out throughout the two days will offer a significant impact that can transform the community’s way of life towards embracing a quality lifestyle by promoting products and services developed by local researchers to the industries at the global level,” he said when opening the NEXPO, here today.

Mohammad Yusof also congratulated UTM on establishing the nation's first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the presentation of the Malaysia MADANI Budget 2024 in Parliament, on Oct 13.

Meanwhile, the event also saw the launch of two significant publications, ‘Leading Transformations and Turnarounds in Academia’ and ‘Himpunan 40 Hadis Nilai Murni’, authored by Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim, which provides valuable insights into academia's changing landscape and the strategies to navigate transformations.

During the event, UTM and Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (PROLINTAS) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the CEO@Faculty programme, solidifying their commitment to advancing academia-industry collaboration.

UTM also presented the UTM 2023 AIMS4STAR Award at NEXPO which recognised outstanding contributions by private and public partners of the university in propelling academic and research excellence.

Petronas Research Sdn Bhd received two awards - the Research-Corporate Excellence Award and Best Industry of the Year Award, while INTEL Corporation received the Premium Employer for UTM Graduate Employability Award.

The Endowment Excellence Award (Endowed) went to Bidari Kekal Sdn Bhd while Best Commercialisation Industry Partner was awarded to Biopro Cosmeceutical Sdn Bhd.

-- BERNAMA