By Murniati Abu Karim
Photo by Izwan azman
BANGI, 11 April 2025 – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through its Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Forbes Marshall Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to strengthen collaboration in education, research, and industrial innovation.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs, Professor Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, described the partnership as a shared vision focused on nurturing well-rounded graduates, pioneering research, and developing sustainable solutions for industrial issues.
“One of the key initiatives under this collaboration is the establishment of the UKM–Forbes Marshall Industry Laboratory, which is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cutting-edge research in thermodynamics.
“The lab will also serve as an advanced learning environment for undergraduate students, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications,” he said.
He added that since 2024, UKM has collaborated with Forbes Marshall to organise the Forbes Marshall Outstanding Project Awards, an esteemed platform that recognises and rewards exceptional student projects in engineering and innovation.
“The winners received a cash prize of RM 10,000, which has motivated many students to strive for excellence.
“This year, we are excited to continue the awards with two internship placements for the winners at the Forbes Marshall Workshop on Sustainability in the Process Industry, providing students with invaluable industry experience,” he said.
Prof Dr Abdul Halim also stated that the collaboration paves the way for UKM–Forbes Marshall Collaborative Projects, which are designed to tackle real industrial challenges and ensure that academic work and research remain relevant and impactful.
“Our collaboration with Forbes Marshall is not just about advancing industrial knowledge or creating new technologies; it is about instilling a sense of responsibility in our students to contribute to the well-being of society and the environment.
“Through projects that focus on sustainability and ethical industrial practices, we are helping to develop future leaders who are driven not only by innovation but also by a strong sense of social responsibility and purpose,” he concluded.
