Under the theme “Integrating & Connecting Digital Economy Technology Education with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Simulation & Artificial Intelligence,” the 2023 MonsoonSIM Enterprise Resource Management Competition (MERMC) International Grand Final and International Youth Development Conference (IYDC) at UTAR Kampar Campus on November 30, 2023, showcased the symbiosis between industry and academia, emphasizing a dynamic learning environment.
Coordinated by the University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Guangxi University of Finance and Economics (GUFE), China Computer Federation (CCF) Nanning Branch, and the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), with strong support from industry partners, including Guangxi Fanlian Technology Co Ltd, Runjian Co Ltd, Sage Singapore Pte Ltd, IPServerOne Sdn Bhd, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, MZEC Corp Sdn Bhd, RMAICT Sdn Bhd, W Tech Software, Informativ Sdn Bhd, Zhejiang Smart Training Technology Co Ltd, Fujian Dayuhao Information Science & Technology Co Ltd, and Guangxi Tus-Innovation Cross Border E-Commerce (TusCBEC) Co Ltd, the event underscored a collective commitment to cultivating vibrant learning opportunities.
Professor Dato’ Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR and AAET, emphasized the vital role of strategic alliances driving joint research, industrial placements, and curriculum development. “This year’s MERMC and IYDC exemplify the transformative power of collaboration between industry and academia in preparing students for the future of work,” he noted.
IYDC 2023 spotlighted AI advancements, exploring their implications for humanity, and leveraging AI for societal benefit. It provided a platform for students to exchange ideas, showcase their skills, and expand their professional networks.
Welcome speeches highlighted the significance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), AI, computational applications, and innovation in the digital era.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between UTAR and seven companies – IP ServerOne Solutions Sdn Bhd, MZEC Group Sdn.Bhd., Fujian Dayuhao Information Science & Technology Co Ltd, Guangxi Fanlian Technology Co Ltd, Nanning College for Vocational Technology, Runjian Co Ltd, and Zhejiang Smart Training Technology – to forge strategic university-industry partnerships. These partnerships will facilitate joint research projects, industrial placements, curriculum development, and other collaborative initiatives.
Keynote addresses by Ms Zhao Hua of Runjian Co Ltd and Mr Deng Jing Bei from GUFE provided insights into AI construction and its impact on their respective organizations. They also shared perspectives on the future of AI and its potential to transform industries.
The 2023 MERMC attracted over 200 participants from nine countries and 25 institutions, forming 37 teams that competed in two tracks: Trading with FMCG and Full Enterprise. Participants on either track demonstrated their strategic thinking, problem-solving prowess, and teamwork skills in simulated business scenarios.
The parallel engagement, organized under the theme “Cross-Border Industry-Academia Education Collaboration in Digital Economy,” featured keynote addresses, workshops, and discussions led by industry professionals from the sponsors. The focus areas were AI construction, ERP customization, real-world scenarios, AI-assisted learning, and cross-border industry-academia education collaboration.
The collaboration between UTAR and MZEC Group, led by Mr. Ang Swee Yong, Group Managing Director of MZEC Group of Companies, represents a forward-thinking approach to education and industry collaboration. It aligns with Professor Dato’ Ewe’s emphasis on community engagement and the Group Managing Director’s vision for transforming the MZEC Group through sustainable HRM practices, showcasing continuous commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This collaboration marks a crucial step towards achieving this vision.
