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In a move geared toward stimulating innovation and fostering closer collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders, the state government has launched the Selangor Lab Partnership Programme through its investment arm, Invest Selangor Bhd.
This initiative represents a dedicated research and development platform with the objective of seamlessly merging theoretical knowledge gained in educational institutions with practical applications in various industries, as per a statement released by Invest Selangor.
The program, conducted in partnership with Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), aligns with the state’s vision to augment industrial growth and innovation. During the Selangor International Business Summit 2023, the initiative was officially inaugurated through the presentation of a confirmation letter by both universities to Invest Selangor’s Chief Executive Officer. Unisel was represented by its President and Vice-Chancellor, while UPM was represented by its Vice-Chancellor.
The Selangor Lab Partnership Programme has been designed to bridge the gap between academic institutions, including universities, higher education establishments, and research organisations, and the rapidly growing life sciences sector within the state. At its core, the program’s mission is to streamline access to invaluable resources, encourage collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between these essential entities.
Within this program, industry participants gain access to crucial resources such as state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, specialised equipment, analytical support, expert advisory services, student engagement, technical training, and the opportunity to engage in cooperative research endeavours. Industry players possess the flexibility to choose and customise specific services that align with their unique requirements.
With this partnership firmly in place, Invest Selangor has invited both local and international investors, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, startups, and life sciences researchers, to actively participate in this innovative initiative. The program’s focus is on facilitating technological advancement and nurturing a culture of innovation that fosters synergies between academia and industry.
By launching the “Lab Partnership Program,” Selangor aims to foster innovation and stimulate technological advancements. This aligns with broader government objectives related to economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness, as technology and innovation are often seen as drivers of economic development.
This program also supports goals related to education and research, which are typically associated with enhancing the knowledge economy. Collaborating with academic institutions and providing access to cutting-edge resources emphasises the importance of research and knowledge transfer.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and a Korean company that conducts education and research activities for practical application based on the theoretical background of corporate valuation formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks the initiation of a promising collaborative venture. This partnership heralds a new era of cooperation between the two parties, focusing on the realms of technology research, development, and education.
The Memorandum of Understanding represents a substantial stride in their collective pursuit of nurturing innovation and advancing technology, according to the Vice Chancellor of APU. The prospect of collaborating closely with KVA to generate prospects for their students and actively contribute to the expansion of the technology ecosystem is a source of great enthusiasm and underscores the unwavering dedication of both parties to cultivating technological innovation.