Penang: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has entered into a strategic partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to collaborate in education, research, development, innovation, commercialization, and training, particularly in areas related to integrated development and management.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye announced that the five-year collaboration involves MBPP staff, UTM academics, and students. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance cooperation in public awareness initiatives and human capital development through structured and comprehensive engagement. It also seeks to apply science and technology to enhance community well-being, including research and monitoring to address slope failure issues.

The MoU was signed by MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim. Rajendran highlighted that the partnership includes knowledge-sharing in science and technology, research and development (R and D) for innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. To ensure effective implementation, a joint management committee will be established, co-chaired by MBPP, to coordinate the MoU’s programmes.

The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between UTM researchers and MBPP professionals, particularly in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for slope monitoring, maintenance, and mitigation in hilly terrain. UTM is highly experienced in slope-related research, and the MoU is expected to help address high-risk slope failure areas more effectively.

Prof Mohd Shafry welcomed MBPP’s recognition of UTM’s capabilities and emphasized that the partnership would contribute to national sustainability and public well-being. He added that UTM’s slope technologies are mature and ready for deployment, and the university is prepared to provide relevant training to all stakeholders.