Collaboration signed to pave way for joint research activities and build an institute for innovation and technology transfer in ICT.

Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Quds University (AQU) to collaborate in academic-industrial related initiatives that include among others conducting joint research activities and building an institute for innovation and technology transfer in ICT.

Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D, signed the agreement on behalf of TM R&D while AQU was represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek. The agreement was sealed under the support and presence of H. E. Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of The State of Palestine to Malaysia, Fakhrul Arifin, Head of Innovation Strategy & Project Management, TM R&D and Dr. Radwan Qasrawi, C.E.O of the Technology Innovation Centre. AQU.

Under this agreement, the two entities will join forces to explore collaboration in various research and knowledge exchange activities, such as scientific work exchange for staff, student visits, development of impactful digital solutions with a global outlook, and building an institute for innovation and technology transfer in ICT.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Sharlene said, “We are excited to have AQU on board as the first university that we collaborate with post Covid-19. This MoU is part of our agenda to work with innovative and entrepreneurial academic institutions to deliver excellence in both research and innovation”.

“I believe the knowledge sharing and technology transfer between both countries will definitely boost research capabilities and cross-cultural innovations”, she added.

AQU is a collegiate research university that currently offers more than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programs that are taught through its fifteen degree-granting faculties that cover the main scientific disciplines such as medicine, life, and natural sciences, business and management, arts and humanities, law and jurisprudence, engineering, computer science, information technology, and social sciences.

In addition, AQU pursues educational distinction through a culture of innovation and strives to develop entrepreneurs who are able to partake in the development of the Palestinian economy.

Prof. Abu Kishek stated that, “the University Strategy encompasses building strong cooperative relationships with the Malaysian industry and academia. We believe this is the first step towards a sustainable partnership with TM R&D, which will provide our staff and students with the opportunity to access to experts, technology, innovation labs, and industry in Malaysia. We believe that this cooperation will result in a symbiotic relationship that furthers the economy, innovation, and technology transfer between both institutions.”

Also present during the MoU signing ceremony were His Excellency Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of Palestine Malaysia; from TM R&D, Keng Chee Chan, General Manager, Research Innovation & Development, Dr. Sufian Mousa Ibrahim Mithani, Futurist; and from AQU, Prof. Imad Abu Kishekh, Dr. Radwan Qasrawi, Dr. Rashid Jayousi, and Dr. Hana Abdel Nour, as well as delegates from both parties.