KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS has brought together 22 local universities in its inaugural symposium under the Collaboration with Higher Education Strategic Initiatives (CHESS) programme, to steer discourse on advancing talent, technical and technology developments for sustainable energy innovations.
 
The event aimed to strengthen academia-industry collaboration, accelerate talent and technology development and inspire innovation for a sustainable future.
 
Representing the Ministry of Higher Education, the Higher Education Director-General Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman who launched the symposium, said the synergy is an impetus for the country’s talent building and tertiary education advancement efforts.
 
“In this era of rapid technological advancement and digital disruptions, collaborations such as CHESS have become even more paramount. It exemplifies the vital bridge between academia and industry, where knowledge is translated into tangible innovations that will drive Malaysia’s growth. MoHE encourages and will always welcome any form of collaboration from the industry that aids the development of our nation’s human capital,” she added.
 
PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Project Delivery and Technology, Datuk Bacho Pilong, emphasised the need to accelerate efforts in talent and technology advancement to address the various climate challenges faced by the world.
 
“The energy transition presents an exciting technological challenge for humanity in this Golden Age of Engineering. In the face of the numerous climate challenges we confront today, we must rise and overcome them with new and radical innovation. PETRONAS urges everyone to ignite innovation and accelerate efforts in shaping a generation of future-ready talents, working together to create a low-carbon future,” he said.
 
Since its inception in November 2021, CHESS has enabled over 90 knowledge-sharing sessions on top of joint research, innovation activities, coaching programmes and syllabus reviews, among other initiatives. 
 
During the symposium, PETRONAS further exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six universities, namely Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Asia Pacific University (APU), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM), Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), bringing the total number of participating institutions to 22.
 
The symposium witnessed the participation of approximately 400 academics, industry experts and students. Throughout the day-long programme, attendees participated in discussions, witnessed technology showcase, and innovation pitches in various areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, New Energy and Sustainability, Additive Manufacturing and Circular Economy, as well as Data Analytics and Internet of Things (IoT). 

Issued by
 
Media Communications Department
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS 

SOURCE: PETRONAS 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Estee Aina Huslan
Tel: +6012 228 3377 
Email: esteeaina.huslan@petronas.com

--BERNAMA