Yogyakarta, 26th October – To foster global cooperation and advance research initiatives, the Institute for Vehicle Systems and Engineering (IVeSE), a research institute under the Department of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has taken significant steps to strengthen its partnerships with three prominent Indonesian universities.
A UTM delegation, led by Dr. Nur Izwanne Mahyon, Deputy Director of UTM Centre for Low Carbon Transport in Cooperation with Imperial College London (UTM LoCARtic), comprised of 16 UTM staff members, including researchers, research officers, assistant engineers, and administrators. They embarked on a series of international collaborative visits to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPNVY), and Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), all located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
These visits were part of a proactive effort by the Department of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation (DVCRI), UTM, and IVeSE to promote cross-institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research advancements between UTM researchers and non-academic staff with these three universities through the Global Outreach Program (GOP).
The collaborative visit commenced on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), where the university’s management committee, led by Prof. drg. Diatri Nari Ratih, Secretary of Research Directorate, warmly received the UTM delegation. During the discussions, various modes of collaboration were identified, including joint research grants and publications, staff and student mobility, global corporate and social responsibility (CSR), and organizing joint conferences. The UTM delegation also had the opportunity to tour UGM’s Integrated Laboratory and Testing (LPPT) and research facilities within the Faculty of Engineering.
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the team visited UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPNVY), where they were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rukmowati Brotodjojo, Head of the Office of International Affairs. This visit revealed numerous commonalities and significant potential for collaboration between UTM and UPNVY in research activities, such as joint conferences, staff and student exchanges, joint research projects, joint publications, and webinars.
Research interests spanned various areas, including transportation, agriculture as well as sustainable and renewable energy. Notable UPNVY representatives included Dr. Rukmowati Brotodjojo, Dr. Hendro Wijanarko, Dr. Mahreni, Dr. Budiarto, and Dr. KRT. Nur Suhascaryo. After the fruitful discussion session, the UTM delegation had the opportunity to visit the Geotechnology Mineral Museum and the Faculty of Industrial Technology at UPNVY.
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the team continued its mission by initiating research collaborations with Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY). The UTM delegation was warmly welcomed by the university’s management committee, led by Prof. Dr. Margana, Vice-Rector for Research, Cooperation, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship. This visit also revealed a wealth of potential collaborative opportunities between UTM and UNY, including joint conferences, staff and student exchanges, joint research projects, joint publications, global CSR, and webinars.
During the discussion, several research activities and interests were focused on low-carbon transport, automotive, fuel and combustion technology, powertrain technology, as well as sustainable and renewable energy. To wrap up the collaborative visit, the UTM delegation also had the privilege of visiting the university’s digital library and UNY’s educational museum, the first of its kind in Indonesia built by the university.
The discussion sessions during these collaborative visits were highly productive, and immediate actions were taken to address the list of experts from each university. These measures aim to jump-start research collaboration and global CSR programs. The Indonesian universities involved in this initiative are making substantial progress in terms of expertise development, boasting excellent research facilities and an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge. This collaborative effort signifies a significant milestone in fostering global research and addressing critical issues through the power of education and innovation.
The UTM delegation successfully concluded their International Collaborative Visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta, and Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta on October 23, 24, and 26, 2023. The UTM team extended their heartfelt appreciation to the management committees of UGM, UPNVY, and UNY for the warm welcome, productive discussions, engaging laboratory visits, and the wealth of opportunities to cultivate collaboration between IVeSE UTM and these esteemed universities. This collaboration is just beginning, and the collective effort is poised to have a meaningful impact on science and technology, benefiting Malaysians, Indonesians, and the global community.
By: Muhammad Bukhari Rosly, Muhammad Hanafi Md. Sah and Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhzir Ahmad Kamaroddin