KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Hexa BRT signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to signify research collaboration between both parties.
The agreement consists of two research projects on conversion of sludge palm oil to biodiesel and formulation of fuel additives.
The research will be undertaken by Associate Professor Dr Sim Siong Fong and Associate Professor Dr Tay Meng Guan from the Faculty of Resource Science & Technology (FRST), Unimas.
At the signing ceremony today (Aug 19), which took place at the university, Unimas was represented by its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and Hexa BRT was represented by its managing director William Liang.
Present to witness the signing ceremony were Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim and Hexa BRT financial controller Michael Liang.
“Through this signing, it supports the national policy of utilising sustainable energy sources, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production,” said Kadim.
He added that strengthening research capabilities through sustainable strategic collaboration with industries allows the university to remain competitive in the arena of research and innovation.
The Research, Innovation and Enterprise Centre (RIEC) of Unimas has been recognised by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia as an approved research institution under Section 34B of the Income Tax Act 1967.
He said this encourages more active involvement of the private sector in contributing to research and development.
“Through this recognition, cash contribution for research activities from companies is eligible for incentives by double tax deduction.
“Noted that these activities comply with the definition of research provided in the Investment Act 1986,” he said.
Meanwhile, Liang emphasised that the core value of the company is to be environmentally sustainable and they are committed to waste utilisation, waste reduction as well as carbon footprint in all their business endeavours.
He concluded that this collaboration marked the beginning of the collaboration between Hexa BRT and the university, and more potential collaborations are on the horizon.
Also present were Hexagon Highs chairman Juma’at Ibrahim, RIEC Unimas senior director Prof Dr Lo May Chiun, dean of FRST Associate Prof Dr Samsur Mohamad, Hexagon Highs supply chain solution director John Ho, Hexa BRT Sdn Bhd advisor Dr Lau Seng and Hexa BRT Sdn Bhd manager Clarence Chin.
