The latest collaboration between WOU, Technological Association Malaysia (TAM), and Carrier International underscores the critical role of industry-academia partnerships in advancing professional development for industry practitioners and professionals.
Over 130 heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals gathered at WOU’s main campus on 13 and 14 November 2024 for the TAM-Carrier Coolfest Symposium and training programme. The two-day event served as a platform for technical training and knowledge exchange, focusing on sustainable HVAC solutions and advancing technical expertise with Carrier’s cutting-edge technologies.
It kicked off on 13 November 2024 with an intensive hands-on training session for over 30 participants, featuring Carrier’s Hourly Analysis Programme (HAP) version 6.2. Facilitated by Alan Leong, Plan & Specification Senior Manager for Carrier Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, the programme covered advanced HVAC system design using the heat balance method, offering practical strategies to optimise energy efficiency and performance.
In her opening remarks at the TAM-Carrier Coolfest Symposium on 14 November 2024, WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan, emphasised the pivotal role of education in driving innovation and sustainability.
“This symposium highlights how innovative technologies are transforming the way we manage buildings – making them smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more sustainable. At WOU, we are proud to integrate these principles into our engineering and digital technology programmes,” she remarked.
“By embedding these concepts into our curriculum, we ensure our students understand the significance of sustainable practices and develop the skills necessary to apply them in real-world scenarios,” Prof Chan added.
Chong Wai Yen, Carrier’s Small Medium Business (SMB) Managing Director for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, echoed Prof Chan’s views, highlighting the alignment of Carrier’s vision with WOU and TAM’s values in education.
“Carrier strives to stay at the forefront of advances in education to meet the ever-evolving needs of the future workplace,” Chong said. He further emphasised the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the built environment through thought leadership, knowledge sharing, technical training, and partnerships with industry stakeholders.
TAM National Vice President, Ts Alex Poo, delivered a presentation showcasing TAM’s impactful contributions to advancing technical education and professional recognition.
He highlighted TAM’s efforts to enhance education through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) initiatives, as well as its role in supporting mobility and recognition for Malaysian technologists within ASEAN.
“Collaborations with educational institutions like WOU strengthen workforce capabilities, drive professional growth, and encourage innovation in the industry,” Alex asserted.
The symposium, themed “Sustainable HVAC Lifecycle Solutions Augmented by Abound Digital Solution,” featured eight expert-led talks on innovative HVAC topics. These included Carrier’s 360 Lifecycle Solutions, Smart Air Handling Units (AHUs), and the Abound Digital Solution for building management. Speakers shared insights on product innovation, energy efficiency, and service modernisation, highlighting Carrier’s commitment to sustainable and responsive HVAC technologies.
Spearheaded by WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE), the event reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting industry transformation through education.