UMW Group is working with Universiti Putra Malaysia on opportunities in developing green and sustainable technology including their current project on bio-lubricant based on palm oil for hydraulic applications that are expected to be introduced to the market next year.
The UMW Innovation and R&D Center was set up to accelerate the development of innovative products, processes, and services that can enhance the group’s competitiveness while UPM Holdings was established as a business-arm to commercialise its expertise and intellectual properties for the betterment of the nation.
Under the partnership, UMW will invite UPM to participate as a contract research partner for the latter’s innovation and R&D projects, enabling the group to into the academia’s over 1,800 academic staff. Also worth noting is that , more than 90% are PhD holders in various disciplines who have successfully created more than 2,700 IPs.
“We are pleased to collaborate with UMW as there are an impressive array of IPs registered by UPM which can be commercialised through collaboration with established entities such as UMW,” said En. Azrul Reza Aziz Group CEO of UPMH.
In commenting on the MOU, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Group CEO UMW added, “The collaboration with UPMH is one of our efforts to enhance the partnering of the industry with research universities such as UPM. We note that a tremendous amount of research and development is needed to innovate and drive the growth of industries in the country. The Malaysian government has recently emphasised transforming the local manufacturing sector to focus on high value-added and knowledge-intensive industries. Through this collaboration, we hope to contribute positively to this aspiration.”
