The Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. (PMM) and UPLB sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Oct. 22 via Zoom video conference.

The academe-industry partnership between the two was initiated by the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT).

Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. and CEAT Dean Arnold R. Elepaño signed the MOU on behalf of UPLB, and President Masayoshi Koda and General Manager for Administration Mikito Yamada, for PMM.

Built in 2012, PMM is a Japanese manufacturing company in Tanauan City, Batangas, which develops, sells, and exports electronic components and ancillary equipment parts and consumables, and engages in related software development and maintenance activity.

Both parties agreed to develop collaborative activities such as on-the-job training/practicum/ internship for CEAT students, job placement, joint research programs, consultancy/technical advise, training programs and seminars, and other activities deemed appropriate by both parties on the basis of equality and reciprocity.

The MOU is effective for a period of three years.

The MOU signing was made possible through the help of a chemical engineering alumnus who is currently working at PMM.

CEAT Associate Dean Myra Borines and the college executive committee members, and PMM human resource team led by Senior Manager Masaru Kurihara were present during the virtual signing ceremony. (Mary Jane F. Gallardo)