BAE Systems enhances industrial cooperation between the UK and Malaysia

The MoU sets a framework for cooperation on technology research and development (R&D), linking UK and Malaysian expertise to support the development of Malaysian Intellectual Property Rights and thereby taking Malaysian innovation global.

Industrial cooperation under the MoU deals with the commercialisation of indigenous Malaysian nanomaterial technologies being developed for aerospace and other industrial and consumer applications.

Using its Open Innovation model, BAE Systems and MIGHT will cooperate to identify potential partners, agree joint areas of interest and undertake an initial R&D programme with a focus on Green Technologies, such as Hybrid and Energy Management. BAE Systems will engage its Advanced Technology Centre and MIGHT will coordinate Malaysian academia and industry.

The second part of the MoU relates to two specific projects using the Advanced Technology Centre, the first to undertake an evaluation of Malaysian technologies including Maerogel, a type of aerogel made from disused rice husks and Carbon Nanotubes that improve the properties of composite structures.

“MIGHT is becoming increasingly focused on developing this kind of collaborative approach to research and development, linking the world’s leading technology companies with our local research talents at universities and emerging technology companies,” said Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and CEO of MIGHT.

“BAE Systems, which recently became a member of MIGHT, has demonstrated a serious commitment to expanding its research and development footprint in the country both through ad hoc cooperation and through talks on national initiatives for industrial cooperation, particularly in aerospace,” added Yusoff.

John Brosnan, Regional Managing Director South East Asia, BAE Systems, said: "Developing new technologies is a key part of the BAE Systems ethos. This MoU allows us to bring our expertise to Malaysia and to work with Malaysian industry and academia. We are keen to support the development of innovation, technology, education and skills in Malaysia and contributing to Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme in these areas."

This is complemented by the fact that in 2012 and 2013 BAE Systems will sponsor selected post graduate students to study in the United Kingdom, doubling the number of Malaysian students on the Chevening Scholarship programme.

This is the first time that BAE Systems has been involved in this prestigious scholarship programme and will specifically sponsor seven students to study engineering and sciences in the United Kingdom in 2012 and a further 14 in 2013.  The scholarships are to be managed by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in Malaysia, which will select the students through a competitive process. 

Sponsorship of the programme is an important step in developing BAE Systems education programme in Malaysia and aligns with its approach to education globally and its culture of lifelong learning. In addition, the BAE Systems Malaysia Chevening Scholarships aligns with Malaysia’s Vision 2020 and supports the country’s aspirations to develop leaders to grow and develop the economy through the Economic Transformation Programme.

John Brosnan said: “Chevening Scholarships is an established, highly prestigious programme for potential future leaders and BAE Systems’ sponsorship will enable more Malaysian students to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.”

UK Universities and Science Minister David Willetts (above) said: “I welcome the news that BAE Systems will be supporting Chevening Scholarships in Malaysia so that more students there will be able to benefit from this excellent programme offered all over the world. Previous scholarship holders have gone on to prestigious leadership roles in a range of sectors including government, international organisations and commerce.

“The UK and Malaysia already have an exciting and varied education relationship and additional scholarships such as these supported by BAE Systems will help to develop and strengthen this relationship further.”