JOHOR BAHRU, 13 Jan. – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is excited to announce its membership in the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D8-NPRI), designated as NPRI/24/676. This initiative marks a significant milestone, as the Centre for Real Estate Studies becomes the first UTM centre to join this prestigious international network.
The D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D8-NPRI) comprises academic and research institutions from eight developing countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The network aims to enhance scientific, technological, and economic cooperation among member nations by promoting knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and the development of innovative solutions to shared challenges.
By joining D8-NPRI, UTM is positioning itself as a leader in international collaboration for scientific and technological advancement. Through the Centre for Real Estate Studies, UTM will leverage its expertise in real estate, urban development, and infrastructure planning to provide new insights on issues such as sustainable development, smart cities, and climate resilience.
Benefits of D8-NPRI Membership
The advantages of UTM’s membership in D8-NPRI are extensive. Primarily, the university will gain access to a network of leading academic and research institutions across the D-8 countries. This connection will pave the way for collaborative research, technology transfer, and the development of innovative solutions to global challenges. Additionally, this collaboration will enhance UTM’s visibility and reputation within the global academic community, fostering deeper connections with researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from other member countries.
Potential Activities within the Network
As part of its engagement with D8-NPRI, UTM will participate in various activities, including joint research projects, academic exchanges, workshops, and conferences. For example, researchers from UTM’s Centre for Real Estate Studies will collaborate with their counterparts in other D-8 member countries on topics such as real estate, community development, smart cities, green building technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.
Additionally, UTM will actively organise and host events within the network, including webinars, training programmes, and collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building among member institutions. These activities will not only enhance UTM’s research capabilities but also contribute to the overall advancement of scientific and technological cooperation in the D-8 region. The initiative to join D8-NPRI has been led by Associate Professor Ts. Sr Dr. Noorsidi Aizuddin Bin Hj Mat Noor from the Centre for Real Estate Studies at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, with support from the Centre of Excellence, the Faculty, the Research Alliance, and the University.