9 October 2025, Kuala Lumpur – The Mathematical Optimization Research Group (RGMO) from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), welcomed delegates from ExxonMobil’s Modeling Optimization and Data Science (MODS) division in a strategic courtesy visit held at Menara Razak, UTM Kuala Lumpur. The engagement marked a significant step in forging stronger ties between academia and industry in the fields of mathematical optimization, modeling, and data science.
The ExxonMobil delegation was led by Mr. Ronnie Heng, Production Planning Analytics and Modeling Manager, accompanied by Mr. Matthew Casey, MODS Department Manager from the United States, and supported by Mr. Jayanth and Dr. Ariff Mohd Idris from ExxonMobil Malaysia. Their visit coincided with a broader ExxonMobil working trip to Malaysia from 8–10 October 2025.
Representing UTM were researchers from RGMO and Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, including:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaitul Marlizawati Zainuddin
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Dr. Hang See Pheng
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Dr. Nur Arina Abdul Aziz
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Dr. Nur Syarafina Mohamed
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Prof. Ir. Dr. Haslenda Hashim (Chemical Engineering)
Key Highlights and Collaborative Potential
The session opened with an introduction by ExxonMobil representatives, highlighting the role of the MODS division, which operates globally across Malaysia, Singapore, the U.S., Europe, and India, with over 270 experts in modeling and analytics. The delegation emphasized the critical role of operations research and optimization in improving efficiency within the oil and gas industry.
RGMO presented UTM’s research capabilities, academic programs, industrial collaborations, and publication achievements. The seminar continued with research presentations from RGMO on:
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Mathematical modeling and optimization
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Simulation-based decision analytics
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Industry-relevant case studies
These presentations led to an engaging exchange of ideas and exploration of joint research opportunities, particularly in tackling real-world industrial challenges using advanced mathematical techniques.
Talent Development and Future Initiatives
A key portion of the discussion centered around talent identification, where ExxonMobil expressed keen interest in exploring UTM’s student and alumni pool for potential roles in analytics, programming, and modeling. The session also explored future collaborations in R&D, internships, and industrial training.
Despite minor logistical challenges due to transport availability, the visit proceeded smoothly, funded under the Faculty’s Research Strengthening Fund.
Strategic Outcomes
The courtesy visit successfully achieved several outcomes:
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Initiated pathways for long-term collaboration between UTM and ExxonMobil
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Provided RGMO members with insights into current industrial demands in data science
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Positioned UTM as a talent hub for future industry recruitment
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Strengthened UTM’s role in bridging academic expertise and industry-driven solutions
This visit reflects UTM’s commitment to enhancing the relevance and impact of its research groups while advancing Malaysia’s agenda in high-value analytics and industry-academic integration.
📌 For more updates on UTM’s research-industry engagements and mathematical optimization initiatives, visit:
🔗 https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/
