KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya’s (UM) UM Capital Bhd and the Photonics Research Centre signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today with civil engineering company Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd to install optical fibre sensors in areas with high potential for landslides.
In light of recent landslide incidents, the collaboration comes from the need to create effective monitoring systems to detect land movement at high-risk slopes, with hopes to prevent more casualties.
The MoA is also aimed at strengthening the relationship between organisations and higher education institutions, while also being an initiative for innovative idea contributions by academics and innovative industry players.
After a few site visits and meetings, the initial batch of sensors are set to be installed in Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands.
UM’s research and innovation deputy vice-chancellor Prof Shaliza Ibrahim said that the partnership could showcase both parties’ synergy with each other.
“This teamwork witnesses the synergy between Pintas Utama and UM in creating an effective monitoring system,” she said at the MoA signing event at St Regis Kuala Lumpur.
“Pintas Utama is set to provide necessities and expertise in civil engineering works, while we will provide sensors through our expertise in the photonics field,” she added.
Shaliza also commended the work of two UM PhD students, Mohd Syamil Mohd Sa’ad and Mohd Ashraff Alias, who were involved in the design and production of the sensors.
Should the implementation’s initial phase become fruitful, Shaliza hopes the collaboration could further develop into later phases with the sensor system being more commercially used.
“There needs to be an efficacious cooperation between universities and the industry sector, to ensure the success of this collaboration that can benefit the community and the country,” she said.
The MoA was signed by Shaliza, Pintas Utama chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ir Marhalim Mohamed, and UM Holdings CEO Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023
