Strengthening industry collaboration through FMM partnership
The MoU signing between Monash University Malaysia and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
The university has entered into a partnership with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support Malaysian manufacturers in transitioning from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to original brand manufacturers (OBMs).
The agreement was signed alongside three other universities: UCSI University, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Sunway University.
The MoU was signed by Professor Anthony Guo, the Head of School for Engineering and School of IT at Monash University Malaysia, and by Jacob Lee Chor Kok, the FMM President. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping local manufacturers move up the value chain by adopting smart manufacturing practices and advanced engineering capabilities. By combining academic expertise with industry experience, the partnership will enable Malaysian companies to compete globally through technology and high-value products.
FMM president Jacob Lee Chor Kok said it is crucial for Malaysian manufacturers to move up the value chain by adopting smart manufacturing and advanced engineering capabilities. “We signed MoUs with UCSI University, Monash University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Sunway University today as part of efforts to strengthen academic-industry collaboration so that we can compete through technology and innovation, rather than relying solely on low-priced products,” he said.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim Chee Keong. “We foresee more collaboration with universities. From FMM’s standpoint, we will work together with them to explore ways to integrate industry needs into academic curricula. We also aim to bring university students, including lecturers and professors, into the industries so that our education system becomes more industry-driven,” he said.
Professor Edwin Tan Chee Pin, Head of the Electrical and Robotics Engineering department at the university’s School of Engineering, added the importance of closer engagement between universities and industry partners in preparing future graduates and strengthening Malaysia’s innovation capabilities.
“Through partnerships such as this, the university aims to bridge academic expertise with real industry needs. By working closely with industry partners like FMM, we hope to help support Malaysian manufacturers as they move up the value chain and compete on a global stage, whilst giving early industrial experience to our students,” he said.
Through collaborations such as this, the university aims to contribute to the development of a stronger research, development, and innovation ecosystem while providing students and academics with opportunities to engage directly with industry. These collaborations are expected to open new pathways for joint research, curriculum development, and knowledge exchange, benefiting both the manufacturing sector and the next generation of engineering and technology professionals.