By Shahfizal Musa
Pix Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI 19 Dec 2013- A Research University (RU)needs to excel in consultancy work if it were to a renowned RU.

Chairman of The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Consultancy arm Pakarunding (UKMP) Prof Dato’ Noor Azlan Ghazali said this at the MoU signing Ceremony between UKMP and Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

The documents were signed by the CEO of UKMP Mirza Safri Sufian and Hj. Johar Yusof representing ASMA Sdn. Bhd.

The MoU will synergize both parties’ resources in procuring environmental monitoring projects as well as providing solutions to environmental problems both locally and internationally.

In his speech, Prof Noor Azlan who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), reminded academics that should be no boundaries between being an educator, researcher and consultant.

This is because many Academics shy away from consultancy work, because they are comfortable with their role as educator or researcher.

But time has changed, they need to share their expertise with the industry, and also present it in a manner that can be easily understood by those in the industry and community.

The only way for an RU to be truly great is when its expertise can benefit the industry. UKMP is the platform for them to do just that.

As for the MoU this is a good example of smart partnership with the private sector to protect the environment.

He said in Malaysia environmental issues always take a back seat to other pressing problems to take centre stage.

This partnership is hoped to also make environmental issues get not only the attention but the solution they needs.

Meanwhile the, Group Chief Executive officer of ASMA Hj Johar Yusof said they are passionate about environmental issues.

They believe for every environmental problem there is a solution. it is the job of the problem-solvers to come up with it.

With this collaboration with UKM they can do a lot more for the environment.