JOHOR BAHRU, 15 July – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB), Indonesia have officially entered into strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place today at Bilik Jamuan, Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM Johor Bahru marking a significant milestone in fostering academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing relationship between UTM and UIB Indonesia, paving the way for future collaborations that will undoubtedly contribute to significant advancements in various fields of study. This cooperation is anticipated to enhance the global prominence of both UTM and UIB on the international stage.
Attended by several prominent figures from both universities, UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail expressed his delight in welcoming Dr. Iskandar Itan, Rector UIB, Indonesia, and his delegation. Professor Fauzi emphasized the significance of this MoU, stating, “Today’s ceremony is a testament to the collaborative efforts between UTM and UIB, which have been nurtured over the past few years through various successful activities. Our institutions have collaborated to promote quality education and sustainable development, from the International Community Service & Green Community Design Workshop to the 3rd Conference on Business, Social Sciences, and Technology (CONeScINTech) and the International Seminar on PhD Journey.
“Our partnership aims to foster collaboration in various academic and research such as joint academic programs, student and staff mobility and of course joint research projects. Together, we will continue to drive progress, inspire innovation, and create a brighter future for our students and communities”, he added.
From this MoU signing, Professor Fauzi hopes that both universities will be able to come up with certain specific projects that will be built through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
This collaboration aligns with the enVision UTM 2025 Action Plan for 2024 that outlined five (5) primary Moonshot 2.0 themes. The partnership aims to develop collaborative academic programs, seminars, community service projects, and scholarly training initiatives that will benefit both students and faculty from both institutions and provide UTM students and staff with international exposure and opportunities to hone their skills to meet rapid global challenges.
“In Indonesia, we have the duty from Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, consist of community service, teaching and research. From this collaboration, we hope that we are able to achieve more collaborative academic programs, and community service projects in the near future”, said Dr. Iskandar Itan during his speech. This sentiment reflects the dedication of UTM and UIB to not only maintain but also elevate their partnership to new heights.
Present at the ceremony were Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat; Dean, Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying (FABU), Prof. Sr. Dr. Kherun Nita Ali; Dean of Faculty of Business and Management, UIB, Ria Karina, S.E., M.M.; Head of Architecture Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning (FTSP), UIB, Stivani Ayuning Suwarlan, S.T., M.T.; Head of International Relations Office, UIB, Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, S.Pd., M.Hum.; Dean, Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Abu Bakar @ Mohd Ramli; and Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Zaini Ahmad.