UTAR encourages research breakthroughs
RESEARCH leads to an expansion of knowledge and discoveries in various disciplines.
To higher learning institutions, impactful research projects and publications not only foster professional excellence but also boost their visibility in both academia and relevant industries.
Today, research projects are also deemed crucial in offering viable solutions to problems.
In any research setting, research grants play a critical role as a catalyst to encourage researchers to undertake a research project.
In the aspect of academic careers, research grants increase the chances for academic advancement, future collaboration and other academic activities that are beneficial to stakeholders.
Aligned with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) commitment to research excellence, many academics from various faculties are actively churning out researches and have successfully secured research grants to boost their projects.
One shining example is Electrical and Electronic Engineering professor Prof Ir Dr Lim Yun Seng who, along with his co-researchers Dr Chua Kein Huat, Dr Wong Jianhui, Assoc Prof Dr Chew Kuew Wai, Assoc Prof Dr Ezra Morris Abraham Gnanamuthu and Assoc Prof Dr Stella Morris, conducted research on the “Utility Integrated Energy Storage System to Provide Ancillary Services under High Intermittency of Photovoltaic Systems”.
The research obtained a grant worth over RM1mil funded by the Malaysian Electricity Supply Industries Trust Account.
“This project was established to develop a fast-responding and utility-scaled energy storage system connected on 11kV network to supply real power to the customers during peak hours to cut down their maximum demand charges. With the energy storage system, the utility company can defer or avoid reinforcing the power system networks or adding new power plants for the peak demands. This approach can directly reduce the electricity bills for customers and minimise greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the climate change issues,” explained Prof Lim.
He added, “Due to its potential of bringing the significant financial and environmental benefits to the society, the research project was funded by local and international funding agents. Through several funding schemes, we are able to build a realistic energy storage system and the performance of the system is improved through the international collaboration with one of the leading researchers in the UK. This project also garnered attention from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).”
According to Prof Lim, it is also important to inspire postgraduate students and focus on developing their technical skills and knowledge.
Breakthroughs in scientific researches such as these are a common occurrence in UTAR.
While UTAR is well known for its undergraduate programmes, its postgraduate programmes remain one of the gems of Malaysia’s educational landscape.
This is because the university offers some of the most flexible and comprehensive curricula for those interested in attaining higher qualifications.
UTAR’s outlook for postgraduate studies is to produce educated individuals with broad knowledge who can confidently tackle the challenges brought on by the ever-changing nature of the modern workplace.
The university prides itself on providing strong practical training while taking care to encompass cross-disciplinary instruction and industry exposure.
In fact, its Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) was founded with the express purpose of supporting postgraduates for a smooth educational journey.
The institute has forged strong links with leading industry players and key international corporations to ensure its programmes remain rigorous and industry-focused to fulfil the latest demands of the employment market.
It is no surprise then that UTAR has always been recognised by employers and professional agencies for consistently producing top-notch alumni.
For details, visit www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468 8888 (Kampar Campus)/ 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).
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