JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: FMM AND UNIVERSITI MALAYA STRENGTHEN UNIVERSITY–INDUSTRY COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE TALENT, RESEARCH AND MANUFACTURING INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 18, 2026 - The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) and Universiti Malaya (UM) formalised their commitment to strengthen university–industry collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony held at Universiti Malaya on August 13, 2026.

The MoU establishes a framework for greater collaboration in talent development, research and innovation, technology advancement, knowledge exchange and industry engagement, with the shared objective of strengthening the connection between academia and Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.

Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Bin Dimyati, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Universiti Malaya, said the partnership will provide greater opportunities for students to gain valuable industry exposure while enabling UM’s academics and researchers to better understand current industry needs and challenges.

“At Universiti Malaya, we believe that meaningful university–industry collaboration is essential to ensuring that our research remains relevant, our graduates are prepared for the evolving needs of industry, and the knowledge generated within the University contributes to real-world impact. Through our partnership with FMM, we look forward to creating stronger connections between our students, researchers and the manufacturing community.”

FMM President, Mr. Jacob Lee Chor Kok, said the MoU brings together academia’s knowledge, research and talent with industry’s practical experience and technology needs.

“Malaysia’s manufacturing sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological advancement, digitalisation, sustainability requirements and changing global supply chains. Stronger collaboration between industry and academia will be increasingly important to develop talent, advance research, strengthen innovation and enhance Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness.”

Under the MoU, UM and FMM will explore and facilitate initiatives including student internships and industrial placements, graduate recruitment pathways, industry lectures and mentoring, joint research and innovation activities, research showcases, industry forums and knowledge-sharing programmes.

A key area of collaboration will be to connect manufacturers with UM’s researchers, expertise and research facilities to address real-world industrial challenges. FMM will also facilitate opportunities for manufacturers to share their technology and innovation needs with the University, creating potential pathways from industry challenges to research collaboration, technology development and commercialisation.

Visit to Faculty of Engineering and Research Laboratories

Following the MoU exchange, the FMM delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering and selected research facilities and laboratories at Universiti Malaya.

The visit provided FMM representatives with an opportunity to gain insights into UM’s engineering and research capabilities, while enabling researchers and industry representatives to exchange views on potential areas of collaboration.

The engagement also highlighted the potential for UM’s research expertise and facilities to support manufacturers in addressing emerging technological and operational challenges as the sector moves towards more advanced, digital, sustainable and knowledge-intensive manufacturing.

Both UM and FMM reaffirmed that the success of the MoU will ultimately be measured by the tangible outcomes generated from the partnership, including stronger industry-ready talent, meaningful research collaborations, technology and innovation opportunities, and practical solutions to manufacturing challenges.

The two organisations look forward to translating the MoU into practical initiatives that benefit students, researchers, manufacturers and the wider Malaysian economy, while contributing to a more innovative, competitive and future-ready manufacturing ecosystem.

Click to download Joint Press Statement.

Mr Jacob Lee Chor KokPresident,
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing

FMM Advocates Transparency, Integrity, Accountability and No Corruption

About FMM
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has been the voice of the Malaysian manufacturing sector since 1968, advocating policies and initiatives that drive industrial growth, competitiveness and workforce development. Representing over 13,540 member companies (4,270 direct and 9,270 indirect) from the manufacturing supply chain, FMM is actively engaged with government and its key agencies at Federal, State and local levels. FMM is also well-linked with international organisations, Malaysian businesses and civil society. Apart from benefitting from FMM’s advocacy, FMM members enjoy value-added services including training, business networking and trade opportunities as well as regular information updates.

Media Enquiries:
Han Mong Ying, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel : 03-6286 7200 | Email: webmaster@fmm.org.my

About UM
Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s premier university, traces its roots to 1905 with the establishment of the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, before the University of Malaya was formed in 1949 following its merger with Raffles College. UM as it is known today was officially recognised as a public university in the Federation of Malaya on 1 January 1962. Today, UM is a comprehensive research university with enduring strengths in teaching, research, publication, innovation and commercialisation, and continues to strengthen its global standing, achieving its highest-ever position of 56th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. In line with its aspiration to be a global university impacting the world, UM continues to advance a strategic, integrated and impact-oriented research and innovation ecosystem. Under the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) portfolio, the Universiti Malaya Centre of Innovation & Enterprise (UMCIE) plays a key role in bridging academia and industry by supporting intellectual property management and commercialisation, technology transfer, research-based startups and entrepreneurship, as well as strategic industry engagement.

Media Enquiries:
Nurulain Md Nawi, Assistant Registrar
Tel: +603-7967 7351
Email: umcie@um.edu.my

Photo Caption 1

Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin bin Dimyati, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Universiti Malaya, and Mr. Jacob Lee Chor Kok, FMM President, exchanging the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the strategic collaboration between UM and FMM.

Photo Caption 2:

FMM and Universiti Malaya leadership teams in a group photo following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a shared commitment to strengthening university–industry collaboration.