SIBU: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between University Technology of Sarawak (UTS) and Cytron Technologies Sdn Bhd (Cytron) on Tuesday (April 15) marks another milestone in UTS’s continuous effort to bridge academia and industry in ways that are impactful, strategic, and forward-looking.
It is a significant step forward in UTS’s journey to transform TVET training and education which empowering industry and innovation.
The MoU signing ceremony, which took place at UTS’s senate room here, was represented by UTS vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid while Cytron by its chief operating officer, Young Koon Hong, witnessed by UTS deputy vice chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shahril Osman and Cytron’s industry business manager, Ng Hock Yuan.
In his opening remark, Prof Khairuddin pointed out that the collaboration between UTS and Cytron is not merely about signing a document but a strategic alliance that empower the future TVET through innovation, particularly in the field of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) technologies.
According to him, Cytron, as a homegrown company with a global presence, is renowned for its role in enabling digital makers, educators, and engineers.
He highlighted that UTS is equally committed to shaping the next generation of technologists, innovators, lifelong learners and TVET landscape,’
He said the MoU also supports the establishment of UTS TVET centre – a flagship initiative that consolidates R&D, TVET training and education, and product commercialisation under one roof.
“Our focused pillars include IR4.0, digital farming, smart grid and renewable energy, smart home technology, energy efficiency, and more. Through this plaform, we are building an ecosystem where academia, industry, and technology converge to deliver meaningful outcomes for Sarawak and the nation.
“Together, we are forming a technology-education ecosystem – one that is inclusive, industry-driven, and responsive to national and global needs.
“The collaboration aligns with UTS’s strategic mission of becoming a technology-driven university of choice and our aspiration to produce TVET-focused, workforce-ready, industry-relevant graduates,” he stressed.
He said the partnership is also timely as UTS supports Sarawak ‘s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 20230), which champions digital transformation, sustainability, and talent development across key economic sectors such as agriculture, oil & gas, and manufacturing.
With Cytron’s expertise in IR4.0 hardware and solutions, and UTS’s academic and training programmes, Prof Khairuddin believed they could jointly create smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions – benefiting not just the institutions, but also the broader community.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Young stated that Cytron is a company specialising in STEM education, robotic, IOT, and IR 4.0 solutions.
He said the company’s core role philosophy is simplifying smart technology and industry, which bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industrial applications through practical and accessible solutions.
“Today marks as important step forward in strengthening the partnership between industry and academic. This MoU will allow Cytron and UTS to work together such as joint development and conduct of professional training programme; marketing and branding of IOT training programme; and development of technology solutions for businesses.
“We believe the education and industry must work hand-in-hand to prepare students for the future. By combining UTS’s academic excellence with Cytron’s industry experience, we can create more opportunities for students and contribute to technological advancement in Malaysia,” Young further stated.
