Curtin Malaysia leveraging its expertise and research strengths to help local SMEs

Miri – 5 April 2022 – Seven academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Science of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently visited Rosfaniaga Services Sdn. Bhd. (d-FRentz Miri) to learn about issues faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Miri and explore research opportunities that would be of benefit to the company and the community at large.

One of the academics, Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, who is the Faculty’s associate dean for external engagement, said the initiative is part of the Faculty’s focus on engaging with the local community and supporting local industry, leveraging its engineering expertise and strengths in practical research to help solve problems faced by the community.

Furthermore, Curtin Malaysia being a Sarawak government-owned institution, it is aligned with the government’s Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), digital economy, and post-COVID economic recovery initiatives, she added.

Rosfaniaga Services is located at the Eastwood Industrial Estate and is a manufacturer of the d-FRentz brand of keropok lekor, dipping sauces, belacan and various types of other food products for the local market and export to Brunei and Singapore.

The company was established more than 10 years ago, and according to Managing Director Hajah Fatimah Binti Haji Abdul Hamid and chief executive officer Haji Rosli bin Ja’ie, the company believes strongly in continuous product development and process improvement to stay competitive.

Fatimah said that the company had previously worked with institutions in West Malaysia on research and development with funding provided by both industry and government, and was now looking forward to collaborating with the academics at Curtin Malaysia.

According to Ir. Dr. Lim, the academics identified a number of possible projects following the visit. They will shortlist the ones with most potential and discuss proposals with Rosfaniaga Services soon. The projects involve research in food waste processing and digitalisation of manufacturing shopfloor data.

Besides manufacturing concerns, academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Science have also been visiting agricultural farms in Miri to find out more about the agricultural sector and explore research opportunities.

Ir. Dr. Lim said the Faculty aims to create a broader research culture by expanding its research networks to local SMEs, focusing on three areas – Bioprocessing, Future Energy, and Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies.

“We are actively pursuing research opportunities that can positively impact the quality of life within our communities and the economy of Sarawak on the whole, as well as engage in service and outreach activities where we can share our knowledge and help shape the national agenda,” she said.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

The Curtin academics observing the processing of keropok lekor.

The academics with Fatimah and Rosli (seated 1st and 2nd from left).