Universiti Malaya through Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology and Infinity Logistics & Transport are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering greater collaboration between the logistics industry and academia. The objective of this MoU is to enhance the quality of education and training of future knowledge workers in the field of logistics.
According to the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, this is a timely collaboration between industry and academia, especially with the increasing demand in adoption of digitalization for the logistics sector. Logistics today need to adapt with emerging technologies to function effectively, making it an integral part of the Industry 4.0 revolution.
“Universiti Malaya will have an industrial research laboratory development which will be able to provide solution with regards to digitalization concern of the logistics industry at a faster rate.
“It is also hoped that the results of this collaboration will uplift the investment contribution of the industry on the research carried out by the faculty and the university on a continuous basis. The outcome of this collaboration is expected to be a catalyst for other industry players to place their interest in participating directly via the research conducted at the faculty and university level,” Professor Dato’ Mohd Hamdi said.
Meanwhile, according to the Dato’ Seri Chan Kong Yew CEO/Executive Director of Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn. Bhd., one of the main challenges facing the logistics industry is the gap in employment, with students unable to find jobs or perform as fresh graduates. The industry needs to understand and train these students early. This MoU will help bridge this gap by providing students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge and skills through internships, joint research projects, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
“As part of this collaboration, Infinity will be donating a lab constructed by shipping containers. Will this, we hope that the lab will boost the university’s research output and also piqued the student’s interest in logistics.
“The construction of this industrial research lab is in the spirit of double helix partnership between the industry and the academia. And it is envisioned that this shall initiate a Silicon Valley type of collaboration that allows for industry relevant research problems to be solved directly by the academic community from Universiti Malaya,” he added.
The signing ceremony was held at Universiti Malaya and witnessed by the Minister of Higher Education, YB. Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The MoU signing ceremony marked the beginning of an important partnership between Infinity Logistics & Transport and Universiti Malaya, aimed at strengthening the logistics industry and equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to meet the industry's evolving demands.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is another important aspect of the logistics industry that needs to be addressed. The industry must embrace sustainability to remain relevant in today's world. The collaboration between industry and academia can help create a sustainable logistics industry that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
This MoU signifies the shared commitment of Infinity Logistics & Transport and Universiti Malaya to work together towards developing a skilled workforce and advancing the logistics industry.About Infinity
Infinity, established in 2003, is an ASEAN asset-based logistics company offering innovative and cost-effective logistics solutions for various industries. It started off with land transportation and subsequently ventured into warehousing and freighting services followed by substantial investments in infrastructure and equipment. It now owns 14 offices in 7 countries. The logistics trendsetter also has an extensive network of overseas agents throughout the world which offers door to door movements worldwide by sea, air, rail, land and multimodal services. Further information on Infinity is available on www.infinity.com.my.
About Universiti Malaya
UM is the country’s first university. Following the passing of the University of Malaya Act in 1961 by Parliament, UM was recognised as a public university. UM, as it is known today, was officially made a public university in the Federation of Malaya on 1 January 1962.
UM is supported by two academies, thirteen faculties, three institutes and three academic centres that encompass medicine, science, technology, social sciences and humanities. The university also houses Malaysia’s first and biggest teaching hospital - UMMC. In addition, the Research Cluster had been formed to drive further breakthroughs in knowledge. The emphasis on research is strengthened by the presence of centres of excellence at several of its learning centres.
Universiti Malaya (UM) retains its place among the global top-100 universities for a fifth straight year in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS-WUR) 2023, further establishing its place among this group of elite institutions. At 70th rank, UM is placed within the top 5% of the 1,422 institutions ranked by QS and remains the best university in the country, and third in Southeast Asia.