TAR UC Achieves Double Firsts via I2 Hub Launch

In its quest to synergise latest development in technology towards greater enhancement in education and learning, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR UC’) launched its Integrated Innovation Hub or I2 Hub in short on 1 August 2018 at its Kuala Lumpur Main Campus. The setting up of I2 Hub has led TAR UC to achieve double firsts, a feat that is significant in academia as well as industries and communities.

The I2 Hub serves as the catalyst for the creation of innovative applications and technologies by bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise from all faculties within TAR UC to develop and synthesise ground-breaking innovations, applications and technologies aimed at four key areas, namely Smart Campus for Education 4.0, Industry 4.0, Agriculture 4.0 and CSR services. The synergy emanating from I2 Hub as a result of the collaborative efforts of all the faculties in TAR UC will bring forth four value propositions namely to Synergize Learning, Converge Innovation, Create Knowledge and Serve Community.

With I2 Hub, TAR UC has been conferred the honour of being the first institution of higher learning in Malaysia to embark on developing and incorporating digital technology to turn TAR UC into Smart Campus through in house development. Some of the initiatives towards establishing Smart Campus have been carried out such as the development of bus tracking system called EzRide which enables staff and students to track the location of TAR UC buses in real-time, and provide academic administrative and teaching-learning services through a mobile apps called TARCapps. With a data centre soon to be deployed in TAR UC to perform data mining and modelling, many other intelligent learning systems are in the offing including adaptive learning system and intelligent classroom.

In addition, I2 Hub has also made TAR UC the first institution of higher learning in Malaysia to provide consultancy to the industry in the implementation of the real-time Industry 4.0 solutions. By gathering the experts from various faculties in TAR UC, they work with industry partners on industry-oriented projects deploying Industry 4.0 solutions such as machine-to-machine communication, big data analytics and Artificial Intelligence support for business decision. One of the industry partners, Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad (‘Kian Joo’), has engaged TAR UC experts to provide consultancy and solutions to increase efficiency and productivity in its production line.

As technical experts in TAR UC drive the shift towards Smart Campus and Industry 4.0 applications via I2 Hub, students are also given the opportunity to participate in these initiatives which will provide them valuable hands-on experience and make their learning experience a truly holistic education.

Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, President of TAR UC, who was present at the launch of I2 Hub, expressed his excitement in anticipating I2 Hub to take TAR UC’s holistic education to the next level.

“The launch today marks the beginning of holistic education among the students where they will learn to have a broader view and work out integrated innovative solutions through their exposure to real-life projects.

“I truly believe that the TAR UC I2 Hub will deliver positive impact to the nation, industry and society through its four value propositions, namely Synergize Learning, Converge Innovation, Create Knowledge and Serve Community,” he said in his speech.

Mr. Ang Kok Jun, General Manager of Kian Joo, is positive that the partnership with TAR UC will afford Kian Joo the impetus towards Industry 4.0 implementation.

“Through TAR UC’s support in big data analytics and Artificial Intelligence applications in the supply chain, Kian Joo will move closer to the goal of becoming the first local industry in Malaysia to fully adopt Industry 4.0,” said Mr Ang.

The initial phase of the integrated innovative projects under I2 Hub involve the experts from the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (‘FOCS’), Faculty of Applied Sciences (‘FOAS’), Faculty of Engineering and Technology (‘FOET’), and Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries (‘FCCI’). Nevertheless, other faculties such as the Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and Faculty of Built Environment will be roped in for future potential projects where necessary.