Prof Lee (second from right) exchanging documents with Cai at the MOU signing ceremony. With them are Prof Toh (right) and Qiu. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
TUNKU Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang branch has forged a strategic partnership with a leading lithium-ion phosphate battery manufacturer.
The industry-academia collaboration with Sunton Power Sdn Bhd was sealed with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at TAR UMT campus in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
The partnership is aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, providing technical expertise and strengthening workforce development in the renewable energy sector.
Sunton Power is the Malaysian branch of Guangzhou QH Technology Co Ltd, a China-based company founded in 2010 and known for its innovation in designing and manufacturing lithium-ion phosphate batteries.
The company in Penang has over 25 professional engineers and 120 skilled operators producing cutting-edge energy solutions ranging from portable power stations to large-scale container batteries for diverse applications.
During the signing ceremony, Sunton Power director Ben Cai Jin Hua highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing future talent.
“Sunton Power will provide TAR UMT students and staff with internship opportunities, technical knowledge, funding and the chance to collaborate on engineering projects.
“We are also considering offering scholarships to eligible student interns,” he said.
TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei said the collaboration aligned with its mission to provide its students with industry-relevant skills and exposure.
“TAR UMT will also facilitate Sunton Power’s recruitment efforts by offering access to our career fairs, seminars and training programmes,” he said in his speech.
The MOU was signed by Prof Lee and Cai, witnessed by TAR UMT Penang branch head Prof Dr Janice Toh and Sunton Power Malaysia branch manager Rayray Qiu.
Established in 1969 as TAR College, TAR UMT offers more than 200 programmes, ranging from pre-university to postgraduate levels.
It has a diverse student body of over 32,000, including international students.
