MPA, APU in deal to boost tech for property, construction

• MOA will enable APU to use MPA’s IP for teaching, research projects 
• MPA will facilitate study visits, curriculum development & improve learning experiences 

Malaysia PropTech Association and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation have singed an memorendum of agreement (MoA) that will benefit the property and construction sector.

In a joint statement, both parties said the MoA will grant APU a royalty-free, irrevocable, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use MPA's Foreground Intellectual Property for non-commercial purposes such as teaching and research on joint industry research projects.

They said MPA will facilitate industry study visits for APU undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as mutual visits by staff members, as appropriate, to improve learning experiences, professional development and curriculum development.

In addition, more than 80 proptech companies will receive support through matching, mentoring, connections, and onboarding, they said. 

The collaboration's ultimate goal is to prepare future-ready digital talents who can now work on real-world projects arising from a sector that is rapidly digitally transforming.

Highlights of this MoA include :

• MPA’s involvement on APU’s Industry Advisory Panel (IAP);
• The APU Sandbox team will also have an opportunity to learn from the MPA member startups in venture building areas; and
• APU students will now be linked with industry-led projects which can be worked on as final year projects, post-graduate dissertations or working at MPA registered members/partners.

According to MPA President, Daniele Gambero, MPA members who are mostly Malaysian tech startups are excited about this collaboration and hope to contribute industry insights, workshops, and mentoring APU students.

“In today's fast-changing world, the ability to adapt is a prerequisite for success, and MPA members are eager to collaborate with APU to open students' minds to it and prepare them for the future.

“In order to be successful, new digitised solutions must be developed based on a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of the processes and flows of the specific field of application,” he added.

Daniele said that MPA will be ready to arrange sharing sessions and case study analysis to provide the academic side with real-world insight into pain points, problem statements, and actual needs. 

“We look forward to a long-term constructive collaboration for the benefit of students, academics, and the built environment,” he added.

APU’s chief innovation & enterprise officer, Vinesh Thiruchelvam said the MoA will allow APU to partner with Malaysian tech startups to infuse emerging technologies into the property and construction sector while allowing its talents to engage directly with the industry.

“Technological innovation and entrepreneurship DNA have the potential to alter the face and trajectory of a country's tech startups,” he said

He added that future market stability will be ensured by technologies that have the potential to either improve or transform, preserve and tailor improvement functional values within the sector. 

“Given the size of the market and development potential, as well as Malaysia's exciting tech scene, this partnership has the credibility to provide incredible opportunities, particularly in the property and construction sector,” he said.