Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Engineering (SoE) has forged a landmark five-year MoU with the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), formalised at ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 to establish an on-campus IEM Centre at Bukit Jalil, guarantee a 50% student membership pipeline, and drive joint research and professional accreditation.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Engineering (SoE) has reaffirmed its standing as a premier hub for engineering talent by establishing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM). 

The strategic collaboration was featured among a series of 12 significant MoUs formalised during the flagship ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). 

The grand gathering at KLCC brought together an elite group of higher education institutions, statutory bodies, and key industrial organisations — including Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), INTI International University, Sunway University, NanoMalaysia Berhad., and MIROS. 

Positioned prominently at the center of this national industry-academia initiative, APU’s partnership introduces a high-impact framework designed to integrate academic rigor with direct professional engineering practice.

Formalised on 25 September 2026, the five-year agreement establishes an operational strategy that directly benefits APU’s SoE, its research output, and its undergraduate talent pool. 

The agreement was executed between APU Chief Innovation, Enterprise & Sustainability Officer, Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam and President of IEM, Ir Yau Chau Fong, with APU Head SoE, Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan and Honorary Secretary of IEM, Ir Alex Looi Tink Huey acting as official witnesses. 

Under this comprehensive agreement, APU will allocate a dedicated section within its ultra-modern Bukit Jalil campus to establish an official IEM Centre, serving as an operational command center and networking hub for the APU IEM Student Section and engineering faculty members.

Beyond physical campus integration, the partnership establishes a robust professional pipeline for APU engineering undergraduates. 

APU’s SoE covenants to enrol at least 50% of new engineering undergraduates per intake as Student Members of IEM. 

To support student-led initiatives, IEM will reinvest 30% of collected membership fees directly back into funding activities organized by APU’s IEM Student Section. 

Additionally, IEM will recommend veteran engineering practitioners to deliver specialized lectures, workshops, and technical seminars at APU, while graduating cohorts will receive structured guidance on the official route to IEM professional membership alongside continuous access to IEM’s premier technical journal, JURUTERA.

The alliance also places a strong emphasis on collaborative research, technical consultancy initiatives, and co-hosted national academic conferences between both institutions. 

APU will actively champion professional registration for its engineering academic staff, ensuring that faculty members and students alike remain closely aligned with evolving industry standards. 

According to Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, the partnership with IEM had reached a milestone decade since the signing of the initial MoU in 2016.

Since then, an IEM–APU Student Section (IASS) project room was established, with multiple annual activities implemented for engineering students by the section.

“By bridging classroom learning with direct access to real professional bodies, APU continues to reinforce its commitment to producing industry-ready, globally competitive engineering professionals who are uniquely positioned to drive Malaysia’s technology and industrial evolution.

“The establishment of the IEM Centre will strengthen the upskilling of our engineering talents to be industry-ready towards a professional status attainment pathway,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his opening address, Ir Yau Chau Fong highlighted that the signing of the 12 MoUs marked a crucial milestone in deepening collaboration and strengthening strategic ties, particularly with Malaysia’s premier higher education institutions.

“Beyond building stronger institutional partnerships, we are opening doors for our young engineers through the IEM Training Academy, equipping them with direct access to professional development, real-world industry pathways, and the tools they need to thrive,” he said.

Expressing his strong support for the collaboration, Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, added the direct benefits for aspiring engineers.

“We are delighted to formalise this strategic agreement with IEM. Establishing a dedicated pathway on campus not only enhances our academic framework, but also empowers our students to hit the ground running with direct access to professional development, industry networking, and clear routes toward chartered engineering status.”

By bridging classroom learning with direct access to national professional bodies, APU continues to reinforce its commitment to producing industry-ready, globally competitive engineering professionals who are uniquely positioned to drive Malaysia’s technological and industrial evolution.