Imperial strengthens research links with Malaysian university

Imperial signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the oldest university in Malaysia and South East Asia - News story

by Simon Watts

Imperial College London has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the oldest university in Malaysia and South East Asia.

The MoU will allow greater sharing of expertise between the two institutions, particularly in the field of low carbon technologies and their application to automotive engineering.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday 10 August by Rector Sir Keith O’Nions and UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’Ir Zaini Bin Ujang at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. It will enable 10 PhD students from UTM to study in London, whilst others based in Malaysia will receive co-supervision from Imperial academics. It will also strengthen links between UTM and Imperial’s Energy Futures Lab.

Particular strands of research collaboration will include low carbon vehicles, fuel cells and batteries, and membrane technology. It will also explore artificial leaf research, which looks at the development of catalytic systems capable of efficiently harnessing renewable energy sources to achieve the reduction of carbon dioxide into chemical fuels.

The new MoU builds on existing links between the two institutions. Imperial’s Martinez Ricardo-Botas (Department of Mechanical Engineering) is a member of the PROTON Technology Advisory Council, which is chaired by the UTM Vice-Chancellor. The Council advises PROTON - the largest car manufacturer in Malaysia – on the development of future products for the automotive sector.

Prior to the signing, the Rector hosted a reception for Malaysian alumni at the residence of the British High Commissioner, which was attended by more than 170 people.

Click here to see photographs from that event.