NEUC and NHRI Strengthen Collaboration in Smart Water Conservancy Research YB Lau Weng San: Advancing the Modernisation of Water Infrastructure in Selangor
On 22 June 2026, New Era University College (NEUC) and the Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (NHRI) have officially established a partnership to deepen collaboration in the field of water conservancy science and technology.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during an online ceremony witnessed by YB Lau Weng San, Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly. Under the agreement, both parties will establish a long-term cooperation mechanism to jointly advance smart water conservancy, ports and waterways, integrated water resources management, as well as ecological and environmental engineering. The collaboration will also promote the co-development of scientific research platforms, technological innovation, talent cultivation, technical exchange, and joint research, further strengthening industry-academia-research cooperation between Malaysia and China in water technology and infrastructure development.
YB Lau Weng San: Promoting the Modernisation of Selangor's Water Infrastructure
YB Lau Weng San said Selangor's population has exceeded 7.5 million, while the state contributes a significant share to Malaysia's economy. As the state enters a more advanced stage of development planning, greater emphasis must be placed on water-related infrastructure.
"Water governance, port development, flood mitigation and drainage, as well as river rehabilitation, are all critical issues that cannot be overlooked in Selangor's future development."
He highlighted major projects such as the Third Port Klang, the proposed underground flood tunnel system, and the Selangor Maritime Gateway, noting that these large-scale developments require higher levels of technical expertise and support.
He welcomed the collaboration between NHRI and NEUC, expressing hope that it would contribute to the modernisation of Selangor's infrastructure while helping the state maintain its competitiveness amid the transformation of the global logistics industry.
Prof. Mok Soon Chong: Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration to Address Infrastructure Challenges
Prof. Dr. Mok Soon Chong, Vice-Chancellor of NEUC, said NHRI has long participated in numerous major water conservancy and infrastructure projects in China. With its outstanding research capabilities, highly qualified experts, and extensive international experience, NHRI is an important partner for Malaysia in advancing academic development and research collaboration in related fields.
He added that Selangor, as one of Malaysia's most economically vibrant and densely populated states, is currently facing practical challenges in infrastructure upgrading, urban flood mitigation, port development, and water resources management.
As a higher education institution rooted in Selangor, NEUC not only shoulders the responsibility of nurturing professional talent but also hopes to provide practical solutions to local water-related public issues through scientific research and technical collaboration.
Dai Jiqun: Introducing Advanced Technologies to Enhance Water Governance
NHRI President Dai Jiqun said the partnership represents not only an important milestone between the two institutions, but also a concrete step towards deepening Malaysia-China cooperation in science, technology, and engineering practice.
He noted that Malaysia's rapid urbanisation has made integrated water resources management, port modernisation, and improving the resilience and safety of water infrastructure increasingly important for both national and local development.
Drawing upon NHRI's expertise in water conservancy, he said the institute will work closely with NEUC to promote joint studies and provide technical support.
Jiang Zhaoyu: Bridging Industry and Research to Accelerate Technology Transfer
Speaking as an industry partner of NEUC, Jiang Zhaoyu, Chairman of Lama International Intelligent Technology Sdn Bhd, said the collaboration should serve as a fast-track channel connecting laboratories, universities, and industrial practice.
He proposed three key concepts — "breaking boundaries", "products", and "mutual benefit" — emphasising that future collaboration should eliminate barriers between academia and industry, allowing enterprises' market experience and engineering data to contribute directly during the research stage.
He also encouraged transforming research outcomes into products and practical solutions capable of addressing real societal needs, particularly in areas related to public welfare such as flood mitigation, river management, and smart infrastructure.
Representing NEUC at the ceremony were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Corporate Development) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tey Shi Bin, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Innovative Technology Asst. Prof. Dr. Ang Yang Yi, Head of the International Academic Exchange Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Ng Khai Boon, Head of the Department of Engineering and Department of Industrial Engineering Asst. Prof. Dr. Loong Ying Tai, and Head of the Department of Information Technology Ms. Tan Yee May.
Representing NHRI were Vice-President Gao Changsheng, Deputy Director of the River and Coast Research Institute Wen Yuncheng, Deputy Director of the Big Data and Smart Water Conservancy Research Centre Wang Gaoxu, and Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation Shi Jin. Representing Lama International Intelligent Technology Sdn Bhd was Sales Director Sun Zhen.
