Pergamon Higher Education Policy, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.

121-126, 1997
c 1997 International Association of Universities
PII: SO952-8733(97)00004-4 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Printed in Great Britain
0952-8733/97 $17.00+0.00

The role of university in promoting and

developing technology: a case study of Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia

Sallehuddin Ibrahim
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Locked Bag 791,
80990 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Malaysia is experiencing changes in its economic structure, forging ahead into the
era of an industrialized nation. This process of change will be continuous and will make
additional new demands on higher-levelled technological skills and technological
developments as well as on high-quality manpower that is capable and alert in
adjusting to the changing industrial environment. Such developments require Univ-
ersiti Teknologi Malaysia, as an institution with technological capability and expert-
ise, to play a major role in promoting and developing technology in order to achieve
the national objective of becoming a developed country in the year 2020. 0 1997
International Association of Universities. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd

INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is experiencing a rapid economic growth and is aiming to be a major

industrialized nation in East Asia by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, local
universities such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) play a major role in
disseminating and developing technology. UTM is a leading technological university
in Malaysia. Its involvement in technical education began in 1904. In 1946 it became
the sole technical college in Malaysia and was upgraded to university status in 1972.
in order to assist the country to move towards the 21 st century, UTM’s administrators
are striving hard to make remarkable progress both in physical and academic devel-
opment to ensure high productivity and excellence (UTM, 1994).
A university exists in a changing environment in which it interacts with other
organizations, and changes its priorities and development, i.e. it is a dynamic insti-
tution. The vision and mission of UTM is to uphold a technological program which
is to produce technologists with excellent moral values, to be responsive to the changes
in external environment, to encourage and maintain excellence and attain maximum
productivity in the performance of the academic staff and students, whilst strength-
ening integrated learning and research activities (Choi, 1986).
The major challenge facing UTM is to assist the nation in creating an advanced
and scientific society that is innovative, progress-orientated and far-sighted, a society
that functions not only as a consumer of technology but also an active contributor to
future civilization of scientific and technology. UTM can fulfil its role in the promotion
and development of science and technology through the following:
121
122 Sallehuddin Ibrahim

(i) technology curriculum,

(ii) research and development,
(iii) establishing strong relationship and cooperation with public and private insti-
tutions,
(iv) collaborating with regional and international universities in conjunction with
local industries,
(v) providing postgraduate and continuing technology education, and
(vi) dynamic and well-organized supporting departments.

TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM

The aim of the various courses offered by UTM is to provide a continuing supply
of trained manpower at professional and semi professional levels to meet the needs
of the local industry, government and research bodies. Up to now, UTM has produced
more than 25,000 graduates who are now serving in the public, private and industrial
sectors.
The main strategy and challenge is that UTM should act as a consumer authority
(students, industries and others) as well as a supplier authority (knowledge, technology
and academic strength). UTM keeps abreast with the latest developments in tech-
nology and is capable of providing alternatives by establishing courses that suit
industrial needs, i.e. by technological changes. The number of courses and students
has been increased and the courses are always upgraded to meet the nation’s require-
ments. Both breadth and depth of coverage are catered for, so that the student upon
graduation can confidently embark upon his career in whichever specialized discipline
he may choose.
The technology curriculum in UTM is normally reviewed once every five years to
ensure that graduates are fully qualified and capable of fulfilling national needs. The
development process of the engineering curriculum in UTM consists of six steps. The
feasibility studies of course subjects are identified by the Faculty Committee of
Curriculum and Syllabus. This committee studies the existing curriculum as well as
preparing the proposal for new curriculum. Then, the proposal is submitted to the
Faculty Academic Committee. Later, it will be examined by the Faculty Advisory
Panel of Curriculum and Syllabus, and the Faculty Academic Board. When the new
curriculum is approved at faculty level, it will be discussed among the members of the
Permanent Senate Committee of Course Planning and the university’s Senate. The
new curriculum will be implemented after getting the Senate’s approval. The long
process of curriculum development is to ensure that the engineering curriculum and
graduates are of high quality.
Several other factors are also taken into account in improving the curriculum such
as: feedback from the Advisory Committee of Academic Industry at faculty level,
student practical training and academic staff visits on industrial program, interaction
with professional bodies, resolutions from workshops reviewing curriculum, infor-
mation from conferences, seminars, workshops and short courses as well as reports
from visiting professors, external examiners and experts invited by the faculties.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Various expertise and facilities that can be utilized for national technological
development are available in UTM. The expertise can be obtained through the
 Promoting and developing technology in Universities 123

academic staff who possess the prerequisite academic and professional qualifications
in the various technological discipline. Similarly, study facilities are available in the
laboratories such as computers, equipment etc. Research started in 1972 and was
carried out based on the requirements and capabilities of the various facilities.
At present, most of the research activities centre on the improvement of existing
technologies and diversification of manufacturing techniques as a tool in attaining
the level of competitive bidding. In long-term planning, UTM will participate in
“mega” projects such as the north-south highway project and the Malaysian industrial
technology park project (UTM Innovation Centre, 1994).
A Research and Development (R&D) Unit w,as set up to coordinate research
activities and to fulfil the university’s mission and vision. Its task is to assist academic
and research staff in carrying out basic as well as advanced research with emphasis
on such key areas as:
(i) advanced manufacturing and processing (e g. electronic, telecommunication,
robotic and CAD/CAM/CAE);
(ii) advanced materials and structure (e.g. composite, concrete and polymer); and
(iii) analytical and graphical computerization (e.g. computer hardware, infor-
mation technology and software development).
Through such efforts success has been achieved in several research projects which can
now be commercialized for industrial applications. So far under the management of
the unit, 80 projects were completed whereas 344 projects are still being carried out.
One of the university’s achievement is the introduction of various fields of spe-
cialization via the setting up of institutes. These institutes will play the role of con-
solidating and enhancing further the acquisition of knowledge because as a university,
UTM has to learn continuously while intensifying its development in research pro-
grams and consultancy. Among the institutes and lcentres that have been established
are (Salleh, 1994):
(i) Sultan Iskandar Institute;
(ii) Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute (COEI);
(iii) Institute of Noise and Vibration;
(iv) Institute of Remote Sensing;
(v) Institute of High Voltage and Current;
(vi) Institute for Environmental Studies; and
(vii) Technology Design Centre.
As an example, the Institute for Environmental Studies was promised as a centre of
excellence for research, consultancy, training, information and postgraduate studies
in various environmental disciplines in Malaysia and South East Asian region. It is a
unique organization since expertise in various aspects of environmental studies are
centralized here and simultaneously involved in the institute’s activities. For example,
a study has been made to draft and set up a master plan plane for the new township
of Tampoi and the Johor industrial park project. The park is an industrial project
involving the Johor State Government and UTM as a centre for research and devel-
opment to assist in the development of advanced technology industry.

ESTABLISHING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP AND COOPERATING

WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

In order to effectively fulfil its role in promoting and developing technology for the
nation’s benefit, UTM will exploit the university--industry connections. By having
124 Sallehuddin Ibrahim

such cooperation, expertise and facilities in UTM will be strengthened together with
experience from industry to produce the latest technological inventions and skilled
manpower to attain the requirements of advanced developments in industry. Amongst
the programs being carried out is the Warwick programme. This programme exposes
and retrains professional managers and executives in industry by exposing them to
the latest knowledge in management and commerce based on engineering.
Cooperation will be further enhanced with the setting up of the Innovation Centre
and the Johor Technological Park, currently in the planning stage. The centre provides
support facilities for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in terms of shared admin-
istrative and secretarial assistance, meeting rooms, promotion/display spaces, and
advisory services.
In 1988, the Radio Research Laboratory (RRL) was established to investigate the
reliability of mobile and satellite communication. Since 1992, the Radio Research
group began to collaborate with CELCOM (Cellular Communication) to research on
mobile communication and in the same year, a study on problems facing T. V.
reception was completed.
In 1992, the Speech Recognition and Smart Card Applications (SRSCA) began
carrying out research with Bank Islam to develop time management security access
utilizing smart cards.
The establishment of the Membrane Research and Consultancy (MRC) has the
aim of developing applications of membrane for gas separation, liquid separation and
soliliquis separation. Collaborative research has been performed with PETRONAS
Research Institute to investigate the optimization of membrane to remove carbon
dioxide from Malaysian natural gas. Joint research has also been carried out with
A/G Technology Corporation (U.S.A.), to investigate hexane extraction from crude
palm kernel oil utilizing membrane system.
The Coastal and Off-Shore Engineering Institute (COEI), established in 1990 as an
independent non-profit organization, was nominated as a technical adviser to the
National Petroleum Company of Malaysia (PETRONAS) in 1989. It has been given
the responsibility of providing technical input on matters related to coastal erosion
problems at the PETRONAS complex in Terengganu.
According to the R&D Unit, more than 20 major organizations have joint ventures
with UTM. The companies include TNB, PROTON, Malaysia Airport Berhad,
Sime Sembawang (Singapore), STM, SAPURA, CELCOM, MOTOROLA, FELDA,
MIMOS and PORIM. In the near future, UTM will be playing an important role in
“industrial liaison” with major national industries as well as becoming “industrial
advisory” for the benefit of the university’s engineering curriculum. Besides, UTM
will introduce “teaching company” scheme and special workshops/seminars to solve
the industrial problems.

ESTABLISHING INTERVARSITY REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

COLLABORATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY

Several research groups in UTM collaborate actively and mutually with their
foreign counterparts in developing new or emergent technological expertise at both
regional and international levels. This collaboration takes into consideration of local
industrial needs and applications. The key areas in research also have the objective
of enhancing local technology “state-of-the art”.
 Promoting and developing technology in Universities 125

One example was the programme between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
at UTM and Loughborough University of Technology (LUT), U.K., under the
auspices of the CICHE programme of the British Council. The collaboration centres
on Advanced Manufacturing Technology (Rajesham, 1989).
The striking feature of this programme has been the success in drawing private
and semi-government bodies, e.g. Air Ordinance (AIROD), SIRIM (Standard and
Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) and COAST into collaborating with UTM
and LUT for developing a postgraduate programme as well as joint research
programs.
Interchange visits between LUT and UTM staff are taking place with the emphasis
on Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Sem-
inars on CAD/CAM application in Manufacturing Technology has been held with
LUT staff as resource speakers.
Several staff from SIRIM and UTM also undertake further studies in M.Sc. and
Ph.D. under joint LUT-UTM supervision. Candidates are allowed to spend up to six
months at LUT to do initial literature survey and research training.
UTM is also conducting a Diploma Course in Manufacturing Technology with
LUT assistance. Practical training of undergraduates have been improved by
implementing a LUT model of modular training. Technician training including oper-
ation of CNC machines have been conducted via special programme arranged at
CIAST. All these accomplishments were achieved in the span of only three years since
1986 and the programme is, by British Council’s own admission, one of the most
successful programme on their list.
The second programme involved setting up of an advanced Metal Forming
Research Laboratory at UTM that involved a German university. The collaboration
was laid down in 1987 and involved funding for equipment purchase and supply for
the laboratory to be made via the German agency of GTZ with UTM providing the
infrastructure required for the project. German experts were sent initially to get the
laboratory operational and leave after the required duration and hand over the
laboratory to their UTM counterparts. Two UTM staff have also completed their
M.Sc. and Ph.D. in preparation of their roles. Links with Heavy Industries Com-
mission (HICOM) and the national car company, PROTON, have been established
since metal forming technology is vital to their operations.

EXTENDING POSTGRADUATE AND CONTINUING TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY

Most scientists and technologists working in Malaysian industries possess only

basic degrees. For most purposes, the first degree is all the qualification that they
need. Few incentives exist for them to improve their theoretical background. Even if
they aspire to improve their academic qualifications, their companies cannot afford
to release them for the time to attend as full-time students at universities.
However, the introduction and development of new or emergent technologies
cannot be done successfully without highly-trained professionals. Postgraduate quali-
fication is considered a must in order for creative and innovative capabilities to be
enhanced. Thus in consonance with the development of new technologies in Malaysian
industries, universities should conduct an intensified programme involving the uplift-
ment of professional standard and qualification currently prevailing amongst industry.
126 Sallehuddin Ibrahim

To achieve this, UTM provides Postgraduate and Continuing Technology Edu-

cation in which some of the courses are specifically tailored to suit industrial needs.
UTM collaborates with several organizations and industries to conduct programs
such as the M.Sc. by course or research, doctorate programs, refresher courses,
seminars etc in order to train the latter’s staff in the implementation of new tech-
nologies. Postgraduate research is either conducted on a full-time or part-time basis.
Such programs have been successfully carried out. Up till May 1994, UTM has 448
postgraduate students at various levels: Postgraduate Diplomas (7) Masters (374)
and Doctor of Philosophy (67). UTM’s reputation as a centre of postgraduate edu-
cation has attained international recognition as can be seen from the number of
foreign students. By May 1994, about 60 foreign students have completed their
postgraduate education. They came from countries such as Brunei, Bangladesh, India,
Indonesia, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Singapore and Sweden. The School of
Graduate Studies (SGS) acts as a reference centre and regulative body and supervises
all postgraduate programs. It also develops and improves the quality of graduate
studies, collects and organizes information associated with graduate studies, coor-
dinates the running of programs and disseminates information for public consumption
(UTM School of Graduate Studies, 1994).

CONCLUSIONS

As a rapidly developing nation moving towards the status of a fully industrialized

nation Malaysia is striving hard to produce skilled workforce. Scientists and tech-
nologists, properly and adequately trained, can provide direct contribution to the
country’s need of skilled manpower. UTM plays a vital role in the promotion and
development of technology through education, research, consultancy, cooperation,
publication and providing services. Such effort are in accordance with the govern-
ment’s policy and the university’s mission, objective and mission.

REFERENCES

Choi, H. S. (1986) Technology Development in Developing Countries. Asian Productivity Organization,

Tokyo.
Rajesham, S. (1989) The Formulation of a Comprehensive Pian qf Action,jbr Industrial Technology DeLlel-
opment: Emergent or New Technologies Affecting the Manufacturing Sector, pp. 216218. Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering, Kuala Lumpur.
Salleh, R. (1994) CJTM’s Achievement 1990-1994. UTM Chancellery, Johor.
UTM Innovation Centre (1994) Bureau ofInnovation and Consulfancy, p. 1. UTM, Johor.
UTM School of Graduate Studies (1994) General Information on Graduate Studies, pp. 3-4. Johor.
UTM (1994) UTM 94/95 Prospectus, p. 1. Johor.