Going Beyond Research: UTM and Indonesian Partners Forge a Global Knowledge-Sharing Community

Office of Strategy and Corporate Affairs | Rohaizan Khairul Anuar

In 2022, Prof Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, the Vice-Chancellor of UTM, embarked on an internationalisation endeavour, with a focus on fortifying UTM’s regional presence through strategic collaborations with Indonesian counterparts.

Prof. Ahmad Fauzi’s vision aimed to introduce a global yet pragmatic approach to international engagement, designed to yield profound benefits for UTM. These far-reaching impacts were designed to encompass areas such as alumni relations, research partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, and academic advancements.

This initiative was coined as the “UTM Vice-Chancellor Asia Tour@Indonesia,” placing its core emphasis on interaction with various universities and agencies, including ASEAN and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

At present, the strategic relationships and networks fostered through this initiative have resulted in substantial memoranda of agreement and understanding. Notably, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and the Vice-Chancellor’s Office have recently initiated strategic collaborations with institutions such as Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University), and Politeknik Negeri Malang (POLINEMA).

Advancing Research and Innovation Leveraging Regional Strengths

Under the Matching Grand Fund (MG2) provision, led by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UTM and its Indonesian partners are jointly conducting research projects based on specific themes.

These collaborative initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including research projects, data sharing, information exchange, case studies, and the dissemination of research findings, all in pursuit of the program’s objectives.

The co-authoring of scientific publications based on research findings stands as a pivotal outcome, alongside the nurturing of collaborative endeavours such as researcher and student exchanges, visits, and mutually beneficial contributions.

Furthermore, a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been established between UTM and UNAIR, with the objective of formalizing the establishment of a satellite laboratory, an ambition that will be explicitly addressed in the forthcoming MoU renewal agreement.

University Social Responsibility (USR) in Action

UTM has also actively engaged in community outreach and programs initiated by UNAIR, with a particular focus on a community-driven knowledge transfer program aimed at eradicating tuberculosis (TB). This program, supported by UNICEF, has proven highly effective in educating and raising awareness within the community.

Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), has shared that in 2024, UTM plans to explore opportunities for conducting its USR (Knowledge and Technology Transfer Programs) abroad, with Indonesia featuring prominently in the action plan. He stressed the importance of practical and innovative solutions to address the needs of underprivileged communities.

Inspired by UNAIR’s community-based programs and the synergy formed between UNAIR, agencies, and the community, Prof. Rosli sees the potential for UTM to complement its expertise and collaborate in this context. He emphasized the commitment to long-term impact and collaborative engagement with Indonesian counterparts, transcending traditional research boundaries.

Uniting for the Advancement of Literacy

At the beginning of this year, IPB Press and UTM Press solidified a strategic international marketing partnership, with the shared goal of advancing literacy and information dissemination in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the surrounding regions. This collaborative effort was further cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during a work visit between UTM and IPB.

IPB’s Rector, Prof. Arif Satria, and UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, have reached an agreement to establish a Satellite Office in 2024, fostering increased student mobility programs between the two universities.

Prof. Ahmad Fauzi expressed his desire to enhance the cross-cultural experience for students, with 80 students already participating in the student mobility program since 2012. IPB and UTM are also aligned in recognizing that, beyond research expertise, they can leverage each other’s extensive global networks for mutual benefit.

Satellite Offices as Catalysts for Program Development

UTM has formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) as part of its activities under the UM-UTM Satellite Office established in 2022. The effectiveness of establishing a physical space is evident in ensuring the consistent planning of activities.

Besides research initiatives, UTM and UM have engaged in professional staff exchanges, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices in service delivery. Furthermore, UTM is exploring collaboration on academic programs with Politeknik Negeri Malang (POLINEMA) and has signed a Letter of Cooperation to further progress in this endeavour.

It is evident that the impact of UTM Vice-Chancellor Tour@Indonesia has come to fruition this year with more strategic programms planned for 2024.The journey of collaboration and internationalization has not only strengthened academic connections but has also laid the groundwork for a more interconnected, knowledge-sharing community in the region. This promises lasting impacts and a brighter future for all parties involved.

UTM is well on track in its aspiration to achieve its global eminence through scholarly excellence as espoused by the enVision UTM 2025 Strategic Plan.

This article is based on a 3 day working visit to Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University), and Politeknik Negeri Malang (POLINEMA) lead by Prof. Datuk. Ir. Ts Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, UTM Vice-Chancellor and joined by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Safian Sharif, Prof. Ts. Dr. Kamalrulnizam Abu Bakar, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Roshanida A.Rahman and Assoc. Prof. Dr Johari Surif on the 16 until 18 October 2023.