Documents exchanged (from left): Prof Lee, Prof Chuah, Or and Lim
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus on 13 May 2011 .
With the signing of the MoU, UTAR, a leading private not-for-profit university in Malaysia, and Doshin, a subsidiary of Kossan group (listed on Bursa Malaysia), formally agreed on working together in areas of common interest, including intensifying research into earthquake-resistant rubber base isolators for buildings, bridges and other structures.
Doshin, established in 1978, is the pioneer in manufacturing laminated bridge bearing pads and building base isolators. It has over 30 years of experience in providing rubber solutions for the civil engineering and construction industries.
Signing on behalf of the parties were UTAR President Ir Professor Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, and Director of Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd Or Tan Teng. UTAR Vice President (R&D and Commercialisation) Professor Dr Lee Sze Wei and Doshin’s Executive Director Lim Siau Hing signed as witnesses.
Under the MoU, the partners would work towards jointly holding a patent of an improved rubber base isolator with greener, more sustainable and economical features. The two parties were also keen to commercialise another product called ‘energy-efficient aerated lightweight block/panel’ patented by UTAR recently.
“The strategic collaboration between Doshin and UTAR can be an important determinant that it contributes towards the emergence of a well-integrated industry-focused and demand driven innovative new product,” said Or.
After congratulated Doshin for being awarded the contract to supply bridge rubber bearing pads in the Penang second crossing project, Professor Chuah said, “Such a megabuck project will provide a lot of areas for postgraduate research for the two partners to work together.”
Doshin had sponsored an engineer, a UTAR graduate, to pursue a Master’s degree related to the application of rubber base isolators in UTAR. More Doshin’s staff members, including those from the top management, would be expected to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in UTAR in the future.Bridge Maintenance Division