KUALA LUMPUR, 12 February — Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Heartana Global Berhad have entered into a strategic academic-industry partnership to advance agarwood-related education, sustainability and conscious innovation.

Ewe: A Shared Vision and Mission

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said the collaboration reflects the strong alignment between UTAR and Heartana Global Berhad in both vision and mission. Key areas of cooperation include agarwood research, student industrial visits and internship opportunities.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he said the partnership would provide students with practical learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, helping to strengthen their global competitiveness and overall capabilities.

Representatives from Heartana Global Berhad included Founder and CEO Ms Jessica Tan Gaik Mei, Chief Brand Officer Mr Daniel Ng Shi Jun, Head of Sales at Agartana Ms Sherrene Cheah Wai Leng, Head of Education Ms Yip Wai Ling, Head of Holistic Wellness Ms Kong See Wei, Chief Technology Officer Mr Alex Ng Kok Keat, and Chief Business Development Officer Mr Nick Low Qi Han.

UTAR representatives included Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of the Office of International Affairs; Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Dean of the Faculty of Science; and Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook of the Faculty of Science.

Tan: Education as a Foundation for Sustainable Development

Jessica Tan said that since its establishment, Heartana Global Berhad has always pursued a purpose beyond commercial success, regarding education as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

She emphasised that responsible industries must be built upon quality education and strong values.

“Through our partnership with UTAR, we hope to continue supporting research, scholarships and internship programmes, putting the Group’s commitment into action.”

The collaboration also reflects Heartana Global Berhad’s three core pillars: premium tea culture, conscious education and nature stewardship.

Through its Agartana initiative, the Group promotes sustainable agarwood cultivation while contributing to ecological conservation, academic research and talent development at UTAR — creating opportunities for both organisations to grow together.

Source: Sin Chew Daily