SIRIM, a leading research and technology agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), y signed seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with various parties including institutions of higher education and private companies to enable collaborations in technology and commercialisation, in conjunction with the National Innovation and Creative Economy Expo (NICE) 2017 organised by MOSTI, here.
The MoU with Universiti Teknologi Petronas will enable both parties to explore collaboration in the fields of testing and analytics, joint research, consultancy services, practical training and technology transfer. SIRIM also signed an MoU with local innovation company, Zull Design Autotronic, for partnership in the areas of training, consultancy and technical guidance to produce skilled workforce in design and fabrication.
For both MoUs, SIRIM was represented by its President & Group Chief Executive, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani (pix). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau. UTP was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Haji Hashim while Zull Design Autotronic was represented by its Managing Director, Zulkifli Hj Haron.
Meanwhile, SIRIM Tech Venture Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SIRIM Berhad, signed MoUs with five companies namely Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd, Strategic Euro Resource Sdn Bhd, Safari Tech PLT, Longe Medikal Sdn Bhd and Best Impulse Sdn Bhd to assist in commercialising technology developed by SIRIM such as BioNG, LPG Tank, Multistage Biogas System and Medical Devices.
SIRIM Tech Venture was represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Ajmain Kassim while Sabah Energy Corporation by its Chief Executive Officer, Dato Hj Harun Ismail; Strategic Euro Resource Sdn Bhd (Managing Director, Senthilrajah a/l Indrajah); Safari Tech PLT (Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Faridzul Asyraf Mat Arifin); Longe Medikal Sdn Bhd (Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad Izzat Ahmad Sabri); and Best Impulse Sdn Bhd (Managing Director, Azri Ariffin).
During the event, 12 Small and Medium Enterprise entrepreneurs were also recognised for their involvement in the SIRIM-Fraunhofer Programme. They were from various industries such as electrical and electronics; packaging materials; machinery and engineering; biotechnology; food and beverages; as well as labelling and packaging.
The companies that had successfully implemented the SIRIM Fraunhofer projects under the SIRIM Industrial Innovation Model Fund are namely: Alion Nation Solution Sdn Bhd; Free The Seed Sdn Bhd; and RS Advanced Technology Sdn Bhd. Companies under the Food for Future Innovation Network program are: Algaetech International Sdn Bhd; Solo Labeller Tech Sdn Bhd; and Muslim Kitchen Sdn Bhd; and companies under the Micro Small Enterprises Technology Nurture Program (MiSE Nurture) are: Micro Precision Machining Sdn Bhd; Mozac Medicare Sdn Bhd; Syarikat Hasan Majid Sdn Bhd; Deligateaux (M) Sdn Bhd; ASA Palmilk (M) Sdn Bhd, and Hamie Industries Sdn Bhd.
Prof. Ir Dr. Ahmad Fadzil said, under the SIRIM-Fraunhofer programme, the technological and innovation interventions will boost the growth in mechanisation and automation; adaptation of new technologies in product and process development including prototype testing, productivity improvement and competency development in technology management and innovation.
"The proposed solution can help the companies deal with specific needs and issues that restrict their productivity improvement," he said.
The SIRIM-Fraunhofer programme started in 2015, emphasising the identification of problems experienced by SMEs through technology audits especially in technology and innovation.
To date, 472 SME companies have undergone technological audits while another 337 companies have undertaken various levels of project intervention through recommended technology adaptation.
