MPRC collaborates with three local universities to establish Oil and Gas-focused R&D clusters
Press Release from Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 NOVEMBER 2015 – Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) today exchanged three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Petronas. This paves the way to the establishment of three research and development clusters to form industry-academia partnerships that will support the growth of Malaysian technologies and talents in the oil & gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector.
The three clusters, also known as Oil & Gas Innovation and Technology Clusters (OGITeC) will be advancing innovations and technology development in the following areas: Subsurface Technology (UM), Marine Systems (UTM), and Topside Process Engineering (UTP).
To mark the start of industry-academia partnerships, Vice Chancellors from the three technology clusters also exchanged MoUs with three leading OGSE firms in Malaysia to embark on technology development projects:
- UM with MIT Technologies Sdn Bhd, designer and manufacturer of Intelligent Circulation While Drilling (iCWD) tools.
- UTP with Satumarin Sdn Bhd, offshore marine services and logistics provider; and
- UTM with ProEight Sdn Bhd, offshore engineering consulting firm and Malaysia leading mechanical seal manufacturer for O&G industry.
MPRC sees these partnerships as a vital step in ensuring Malaysian players are highly competitive to become strong regional players. This is crucial as Malaysia progresses to become a technological and innovation centre for the oil & gas industry in Asia-Pacific.
Datuk Shahrol Halmi, President and Chief Executive Officer of MPRC, said: “MPRC hopes to catalyse more active, win-win collaborations between academia and the industry, resulting in indigenous technologies and subject matter experts.”
“The exchange of MoUs today represents a concrete step in fostering closer cooperation between industry players MIT Technologies, ProEight Sdn Bhd, SatuMarin Sdn Bhd and the universities UM, UTM and UTP, respectively. To achieve our vision for Malaysia as a hub for OGSE activities and technological innovation, we need local companies to step up and develop local technologies,” he said.
These collaborations are underpinned by the OGSE technology development agenda in the 11th Malaysia Plan. These measures will significantly strengthen Malaysian companies and enhance manpower throughout the society. Ultimately, these development will help encourage growth in the broader economy and take Malaysia a step closer toward becoming an advanced nation by 2020.

Reported in Pemandu website : http://etp.pemandu.gov.my/Related_Stories-@-MPRC_collaborates_with_three_local_universities_to_establish_Oil_and_Gas_focused_RD_clusters.aspx#sthash.FaXAgwGo.dpuf