SIBU: George Kent (Malaysia) Berhad (George Kent) on Tuesday (May 21) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), to provide support for the successful implementation of a UTS initiative on smart water management.
The UTS Smart Home R&D initiative seeks to enhance its smart home system with a cloud-based smart water management system.
UTS had, earlier this year, obtained the approval to commence this smart home initiative which is expected to span three years.
The signing of the MOA which took place at the UTS’ Senate Room, involved George Kent’s Chief Operating officer, Teoh Cy Kuan and UTS Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid.
A press statement from George Kent stated that under the MOA, it will provide its comprehensive Automative Meter Reading (AMR) solution, which includes smart water meters, specifically the GKMV30 DN15 5/3 brass water meter, together with meter units.
This solution encompasses critical functionalities, including data retrieval, real-time monitoring, anomaly detection and alarm notifications, all in hardware form.
This strategic partnership with UTS extends beyond technical expertise.
Over a three-year R&D project, George Kent will offer technical assistance assistance to UTS, fostering knowledge exchange and ensuring research findings align with industry standards.
The collaboration has the potential to lead to co-authored publications, further solidifying the partnership and advancing knowledge in the field of smart metering solutions.
On June 7 last year, George Kent signed a memorandum of understanding with UTS to foster academic and industrial collaboration with a primary focus on enhancing human capital development and addressing societal challenges through joint educational and research endeavours.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Teoh pointed out that George Kent’s involvement in the UTS Smart Home R&D project underscores George Kent’s commitment to advance technological solutions in Sarawak that are sustainable.
He said this is through the provision of cutting-edge solutions to enhance the meter reading efficiency and removal of human error in comparison to manual reading.
The GKMV30 smart water meters, he stated, offer an unparelled blend of high accuracy and performance and in any position, they are durable and tamper-proof, as well as secure and easy to operate.
“The strategic partnership not only signals our dedication to technological advancement, it underscores our unwavering commitment towards making a positive impact by enhancing the well-being of communities in Sarawak.
“I trust that our shared vision in relation to this Smart Home R&D project will make a real difference in Sarawak by improving education and skills developments and tackling societal challenges in time to come,” Teoh added.
Meanwhile, Khairuddin said UTS is delighted to formalise the partnership with George Kent through the signing of MOA.
He pointed out that UTS is constantly seeking opportunities to leverage its expertise for the betterment of society.
He said the Smart Home R&D initiative, with a particular focus on smart water management, represents a crucial area where collective efforts can make a significant difference.
“At UTS, we are deeply committed to nuturing partnerships that cultivate innovation and knowledge exchange. Our collaboration with George Kent signifies a shared commitment to advance the frontier of smart home technologies, with a clear emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.
“This partnership exemplifies UTS’ dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and the mission to contribute positively to the advancement of society,” Khiruddin added.
Present to witness the MOA signing ceremony were UTS deputy Vice Chancellor,Prof Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman and George Kent’s general manager, Yap Cheng Leung.
