BANGKOK, Feb 27—The Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has taken a significant step in strengthening international research collaboration through a technical visit and partnership engagement with King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand. The UTM delegation, led by Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ilyas Rushdan, Deputy Director of CACM, featured key researchers from CACM, including Associate Professor Dr. Rohah A. Majid, Ts. Dr. Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal and Dr. Mohd Haziq Dzulkifli.
This initiative aims to foster academic and research cooperation between UTM and KMUTNB, emphasizing advanced composite materials. The collaboration encompasses discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), student and staff exchange programs, joint publications, and collaborative research activities. These efforts align with UTM’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in aerospace and composite materials engineering.
A key highlight of the visit was a technical tour to COBRA International Co Ltd, a leading composite manufacturing company based in Chonburi, Thailand. COBRA, a privately held group of companies, is a Thailand-based composites manufacturer with a core business in the watersports market. COBRA is recognized as a world leader in the manufacture of high-quality composite products, and it is renowned for its premium windsurf, SUP, kite, and surfboards. The visit gave researchers and academicians from both institutions insights into COBRA International’s expertise in high-performance composite production, particularly in aerospace, marine, and industrial applications. The exchange of knowledge with industry experts is expected to further enrich research initiatives at CACM UTM.
Professor Dr. Mohd Yazid Yahya, Director of the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), emphasized the significance of collaborations in advancing composite engineering. He noted, “By partnering with global institutions like King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) and industry leaders such as COBRA International, we are creating opportunities to enhance research outputs, develop sustainable materials, and provide students with valuable international exposure.”
Representatives from KMUTNB also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential for groundbreaking research in composite materials. They specifically mentioned lightweight, high-strength materials for sporting goods, domestic products, aerospace, and automotive applications. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in UTM’s efforts to strengthen its international research network and aligns with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a global leader in advanced materials.
The outcomes of this collaboration are expected to foster innovative research initiatives that benefit both academia and industry. The event concluded with a commitment from both institutions to further solidify their partnership through ongoing engagement in research, education, and technology transfer.
