USM AND WATLOW ELECTRIC MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. SEAL RM68,000 RESEARCH COLLABORATION AGREEMENT

NIBONG TEBAL, 2 November 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SEEE), has signed a Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) with Watlow Electric Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to strengthen strategic university-industry ties through research, innovation and talent development in the field of engineering.

Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of SEEE, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Nasiruddin Mahyuddin, who delivered the speech on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, said the collaboration was important in bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world industrial applications, particularly in automation, robotics, intelligent systems and smart manufacturing.

He said that under the agreement, both parties had agreed to provide a matching research grant totalling RM68,000, in addition to offering industrial training placements for SEEE students.

He added that the collaboration would provide students with opportunities to gain industry experience and enhance their practical engineering skills, while lecturers and researchers would be able to conduct industry-driven research and address real-world engineering challenges.

The collaboration also has the potential to be expanded to various academic and professional development activities, including laboratory teaching and learning, undergraduate final-year projects, capstone design projects, postgraduate research, technical workshops and professional training programmes.

Meanwhile, Watlow Electric Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Operations Director Wong Chor Ruey said the agreement marked an important step towards strengthening the strategic relationship between both parties, particularly in technical development, research and innovation.

He said the collaboration would enable USM to benefit from Watlow's expertise and industry experience as a technology-driven company providing thermal solutions to various sectors, including the semiconductor industry and capital equipment manufacturers.

He added that the collaboration also reflected the positive development of the relationship between both parties since the official opening of Watlow Electric Malaysia's operations in Bandar Cassia in February 2025.

Wong, who is also a USM alumnus, expressed hope that this first collaboration between the two organisations would bring mutual benefits, particularly by providing students and researchers with practical industry exposure in the field of thermal solutions.

“This collaboration is expected to serve as a foundation for a broader, long-term partnership between USM and Watlow in the future,” he said.

Text: Nor Hidayati Zolkornain (Industrial Training Student) / Photos: Sharina Mustapa Albakari