Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Sabah Plumber Association (SPA) are exploring collaboration in research, innovation, professional development and sustainable water technologies following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Oct 22.
The LOI was signed at Galeri Majlis, UMS Chancellery Building, by UMS Faculty of Engineering dean Assoc Prof Ir Dr Abu Zahrim Yaser and SPA president Dr Carmen Wong.
The collaboration covers five key areas: teaching and learning, research and innovation, commercialisation, corporate social responsibility, and knowledge and technology transfer.
Proposed initiatives include internships, industrial attachments and technical visits for UMS students and staff, as well as training programmes and workshops for SPA members.
Industry practitioners may also contribute to university teaching, while both parties will explore joint research, testing and demonstrations involving water supply, water efficiency, sanitation and sustainable plumbing technologies.
Wong said stronger ties between academia and industry could help turn knowledge into practical solutions for Sabah.
She added that water infrastructure was fundamental to public health and the State’s future development.
UMS and SPA are also preparing to host World Plumbing Day Sabah 2027 at UMS from April 8 to 10.
The event is expected to feature technical seminars, technology exhibitions and other activities highlighting developments in the plumbing industry.
