Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) collaborated with DNV to equip the next generation of engineers with essential skills for the offshore industry.

Building strong foundations: A partnership for the future of offshore engineering in Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DNV Digital Solutions, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at upskilling the next generation of offshore engineers. This partnership will see DNV’s renowned offshore structural analysis software, Sesam, integrated into UTP’s educational and research programs, reinforcing UTP’s position as a leader in engineering education and research in Malaysia.

Bridging academia and industry with industry leading tools and technical proficiencies

The collaboration is designed to enhance both academic and research excellence by equipping students with industry-standard tools for structural engineering. UTP students will gain hands-on experience using Sesam to analyze and assess offshore structures under various conditions, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Workshops with DNV experts will further enhance students' proficiency with the software, ensuring they can effectively tackle real-world challenges. The integration of Sesam into the curriculum ensures that UTP graduates will be fully prepared to address challenges in the offshore engineering industry. 

Prof. Dato' Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Vice Chancellor of UTP, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "UTP is a university that was established that focuses strongly in science and technology, especially in engineering education. Given its close association with energy, particularly in oil and gas, offshore engineering is something that is very close to UTP. As a result of this, UTP has formed this collaboration with DNV with the target to move into offshore engineering.”

Objectives of the partnership

The partnership between UTP and DNV aims to:

• Enhance Learning: Provide students with industry-relevant skills in structural engineering and offshore analysis.
• Foster Innovation: Support advanced research projects using Sesam to push the boundaries of offshore structural design.
• Strengthen Industry Links: Build stronger connections with industry leaders to ensure that students are well-equipped to meet industry demands upon graduation.

Ensuring graduates are industry-ready

Dr. Cheng Yee Ng, Programme Manager for the Master of Science in Offshore Engineering at UTP, emphasized the importance of giving students practical skills with industry-standard tools. “By incorporating Sesam into our curriculum, we are not only giving students the technical proficiency they need but also preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in the offshore engineering sector.”

More than just software: A collaborative partnership 

This collaboration goes beyond providing software. As part of the MoU, DNV and UTP will work closely together through regular workshops to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with industry trends. These workshops will also ensure UTP is kept up to date with all future developments in Sesam as it evolves to address the latest challenges in the offshore industry.

“We are not just a software or service provider; we want to be part of the community,” said Hagsung Kim, APAC Regional Manager, DNV Digital Solutions. “Through this partnership, we aim to support the leadership of UTP and inspire the next generation of offshore engineers.”

A long-term commitment to excellence

The collaboration will be an ongoing initiative, with UTP and DNV working together to ensure Malaysia’s future engineers are fully trained and equipped to excel in the offshore industry. The partnership solidifies UTP’s commitment to bridging academia and industry while providing students with the tools and skills they need to innovate in the ever-changing maritime and offshore sectors.