23rd September 2024 – Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Beicip-Franlab Asia (BFA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to embark on a strategic partnership aimed at fostering academic excellence and driving innovation in the energy sector on 11th September 2024 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) at Kota Kinabalu. This collaboration marks an important milestone in enhancing research capabilities, professional development, and talent nurturing within the industry. 
 
The MoU outlines several key areas of cooperation: 
 
1. Academic Collaboration: UTP and BFA will establish a Centre of Excellence (COE) and Professorial Chair at BTS, serving as a hub for collaborative research, workshops, and academic-industry engagement. Both parties will also work on UTP’s 2u2i programme, developing curriculum and training modules that integrate theoretical and practical components, as well as mentoring and supervising students involved in the programme. 
 
2. Research Collaboration: The partnership will focus on joint research efforts in exploration, production, new energy, and digital solutions, alongside the exchange of educational materials and academic information, subject to third-party approvals. 
 
3. Student and Staff Exchange: UTP students will gain industrial training and internship opportunities with BFA, while both institutions will explore staff exchange programs to enhance professional development through workshops, fellowships, and joint training programs. 
 
4. Collaborative Activities: The MoU also opens doors to additional collaborative opportunities, including community engagement initiatives, joint publications, and industry seminars. 
 
Prof Dato Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim, Vice Chancellor UTP, Vice-Chancellor of UTP, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Beicip-Franlab Asia is a testament to our commitment to bridging academic research with industry needs. Together, we will drive forward innovation in energy solutions and nurture the next generation of leaders in this critical field.” 
 
Noorbaizura Hashim, CEO of Beicip-Franlab Asia, added, “We are thrilled to partner with UTP, combining our expertise to contribute towards sustainable technologies and digital advancements. This MoU reflects our shared vision of fostering knowledge exchange and creating lasting value for the energy industry.” 
 
Both UTP and BFA are confident that this partnership will lead to transformative advancements, contributing to sustainable growth in the energy sector. The collaboration will also create a strong platform for knowledge sharing and talent development, ultimately benefiting both academia and industry. 
 
About Beicip-Franlab Asia (BFA) 
BFA is a leading energy consultancy firm specializing in exploration, production, and sustainable energy solutions. BFA focuses on driving innovation and providing technical expertise to meet the evolving needs of the global energy industry. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Natasha Muiz, Corporate Communications at corporate@beicip.asia.