Through the dedication of our researchers and support from the management, UTAR has achieved strong research in agricultural science, biotechnology, building construction, Chinese studies, cloud computing, information security, multimedia education, photonics, psychology, renewable energy, stem cell research, traditional Chinese medicine, wastewater treatment and wireless sensor network. UTAR Undergraduate Research Scheme UTAR Undergraduate Research Scheme is a scheme in which UTAR undergraduates can systematically undergo a structured programme designed to expose and train them in various aspects of research project implementation. This scheme is open to all UTAR undergraduates who are interested in R&D. It aims to provide an opportunity for students to undertake practical research during the undergraduate years to better prepare students who opt to continue on to graduate studies. By participating in this scheme, UTAR undergraduates can learn important problem-solving skills and thus, be more prepared when they join the workforce upon their graduation. UTAR Global Research Network The UTAR Global Research Network (UTARGRN) is a network that links academics, researchers, scientists and technologists at the forefront of research and technology development with the education and research activities of UTAR, such that research relationships and collaboration can be created and further enhanced. In addition to that, UTARGRN assists UTAR in forming strategic partnerships with other established education and research institutions worldwide. The members of UTARGRN are called International Collaborative Partners (ICP). Currently, there are 42 ICP members from Australia, China, Fiji, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia,
Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States who have contributed actively towards UTAR’s R&D activities. Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Some of the R&D activities have resulted in the creation of new invention and technology. To date, UTAR has submitted more than 20 applications for patent protections where 4 of them were granted patent protection in 2016. Some of these inventions are jointly developed with other institutions and companies such as the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Mimos, RBN and Ken Holdings. DCC is always actively working with the industry to commercialise the inventions so that they would benefit the community and society at large. At present, UTAR is working closely with a few companies in the construction and biotech industry to commercialise its patents. Endowment Chairs To promote research and scholastic developments in various fields, UTAR initiated the establishment of endowed chairs in 2009. Since then, seven chairs have been established and a total of RM13.75 million has been raised. The endowment chairs, in the chronological order of establishment, are as follows: • Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow Chair in Banking and Finance • SP Setia Professor of Environmental Engineering and Green Technology • STAR Foundation Professor of Creative Industries • SHL Realty Sdn Bhd Chair for Professor of Construction Management • Brunsfield Professor of Civil Engineering • Tan Sri Dato’ Philip Kuok Hock Khee Professor of Agricultural Science • Top Glove Professor of Chemistry
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