PALMOILMAGAZINE, BANDUNG – The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources & Technology (SMART) Tbk. have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research in the palm oil sector. The signing ceremony took place at the ITB Rectorate Building on Monday (March 3, 2025), with ITB’s Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Irwan Meilano, and PT SMART Tbk.’s Director Representative, Lilianawati, in attendance.
This collaboration covers education, research, and community engagement, particularly in the palm oil industry. The MoU also provides opportunities for students to engage in internships, employee recruitment, academic mentoring, consulting, seminars, industrial visits, and other programs aimed at fostering research and innovation in the sector.
Prof. Irwan Meilano emphasized that this partnership aligns with ITB’s mission to enhance human resource quality. “One of ITB’s key objectives is to improve human resource capabilities. Therefore, collaboration is essential to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience and access to relevant industry data, especially in palm oil plantations,” he stated, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com from ITB’s official website on Tuesday (March 18, 2025).
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He also highlighted the importance of synergy between academia and industry to fulfill the university’s three pillars of higher education (Tridarma Perguruan Tinggi). “We cannot work in isolation. ITB must collaborate with the industrial sector to ensure students receive the best access for their research,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lilianawati from PT SMART Tbk. underscored that this partnership goes beyond workforce development, focusing on research, community empowerment, and industry advancement. “We hope this collaboration will contribute to the three pillars of higher education, particularly in innovation and sustainability within the palm oil sector,” she said.
Through this partnership, ITB and PT SMART Tbk. are committed to strengthening ties between academia and industry, driving sustainable research and innovation in Indonesia’s palm oil sector. (P2)
