In a significant development aimed at enhancing academic and research opportunities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recenty entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BigLedger-Wavelet Solutions Group, a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for SMEs.

This partnership is set to open numerous doors for UTM's faculty and students, enriching their academic and practical experiences.

Representing UTM at the MoU was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Prof. Dr. Rosli bin Md. Illias (right in main pic), while BigLedger-Wavelet was represented by CEO Vincent Lee Hong Fay (left in pic).

UTM also signed MoUs with Certiify Solutions and One Team Networks, with the occasion being witnessed by representatives from UTM and other industry partners, including Huawei Malaysia, PPG Coatings, Agmo Holdings Berhad, Cradle Fund and My EG Services Berhad.

In conjunction with this auspicious occasion, UTM's Faculty of Computing Research & Innovation Day (FCRI) together with the Meet & Greet with Industries (FCRI x MGI 2024) committee also hosted an artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon, research talks, research pitching and Postgraduate Annual Research Seminars (PARS).

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Rosli bin Md. Illias emphasised that the MoUs would facilitate the sharing of academic knowledge and research initiatives, bringing numerous benefits to the Government-Universities-Community-Industry (GUCI) framework.

"This strategic cooperation enables the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and insights between UTM and its industry partners, promoting a collaborative academic, research, and expertise partnership, particularly in the fields of AI, blockchain, and cloud computing," said Prof. Dr. Rosli.

It is anticipated that such collaborations – particularly with BigLedger-Wavelet – is set to further enhance the global prominence of both UTM and its industry partners on national and international levels.

Lee of BigLedger-Wavelet said that the collaboration brings a promise of joint research initiatives and academic exchanges that will allow UTM students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge projects, particularly in areas crucial to the continued growth of Malaysia's Digital Economy.

"At our end, BigLedger and Wavelet Solutions is renowned for our innovative approaches in ERP systems across various industries, offering a real-world platform where academic theories can be tested and applied. This synergy between academic research and practical application is a core advantage for UTM, fostering a learning environment that is both intellectually stimulating and pragmatically useful."

A significant component of the MoU is the focus on talent development programs. UTM students will benefit from internships, workshops, and seminars led by industry experts from BigLedger and Wavelet. These programmes are designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in a competitive job market.

"By having direct access to business insights and modern technological practices, students can gain valuable exposure that complements their academic pursuits," said Lee.

The exchange of scholarly information and resources is another pillar of this MoU. Students and faculty at UTM will have access to proprietary databases, research findings and technological tools from BigLedger and Wavelet. This resource sharing ensures that the UTM community stays at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends, enhancing their research capabilities and educational materials.

Both UTM and BigLedger-Wavelet are also committed to leveraging this partnership for community service initiatives. These projects are designed to apply academic knowledge to solve real-world problems, particularly those affecting local communities. By engaging in these initiatives, UTM students can develop a sense of social responsibility and contribute to meaningful change, gaining a broader perspective on the impact of their academic and professional activities.

What's more, besides preparing UTM students for the local and national job markets, this partnership is also aimed at empowering students for global challenges.

"The international presence of BigLedger and Wavelet in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei provides UTM students with a perspective on international business operations and cross-cultural management," said Vincent.

Evidence of this is the BigLedger-Wavelet group workforce which includes over 120 employees from around 16 different countries, fostering a diverse and innovative corporate culture.

"This diversity has been instrumental in driving creativity and innovation within our group, resulting in several prestigious partnerships and recognitions, such as the Sin Chew-UNIFI Business Digital Transformation Excellence Awards, which commended our efforts in driving transformative digital strategies across Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region," said Lee.

Long and short of it all, the BigLedger-Wavelet Group stands out in the ERP market by combining robust technology solutions with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and innovative practices.

These attributes make Lee's group a valuable partner for institutions like UTM, promising substantial benefits through collaboration in areas like research and talent development, while serving as a testament to both organisations' commitment to academic excellence and practical impact.

For UTM and its students, the benefits are manifold — enhanced educational quality, better job market readiness, and a stronger contribution to societal needs. As this collaboration unfolds, it is set to become a cornerstone of innovation and professional development at UTM.