CHRISTCHURCH, July 10 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is proud to enhance its internationalisation efforts by formalising a partnership with the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This ceremony, held in Christchurch, marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between the two prestigious institutions.
The agreement will facilitate a variety of initiatives, including access to international co-funding opportunities, joint research through matching grants, outbound mobility scholarships for UTM students and the establishment of a satellite lab in collaboration with HITLabNZ and ViCubeLab
This partnership aims to promote collaborative initiatives, including academic exchanges and innovation-driven knowledge sharing. During the visit, UTM representatives explored Kōawa Studios, a joint venture between UC’s Faculty of Arts and Engineering, which offers world-class education in areas such as animation, screen sound, screenwriting, game development, and game arts.
Key highlights of this partnership include access to international co-funding mechanisms, such as New Zealand’s Catalyst Fund and the Marsden Fund, which support impactful transnational research with Malaysian partners. It will also involve joint research efforts in environmental studies, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, all of which are aligned with shared priorities under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership includes strategic discussions with the Hydrogen Technologies Institute at UTM, focusing on joint development in clean energy, hydrogen fuel innovation, and low-carbon technology ecosystems. It also involves the creation of a satellite lab between HITLabNZ (Human Interface Technology Lab NZ) and ViCubeLab at UTM. This lab will facilitate collaborative research in immersive technology, human-computer interaction, and AI-driven XR (extended reality) experiences. The goal is to co-develop immersive technology solutions within a shared virtual and physical research environment, fostering innovation between Malaysia and New Zealand.
Additionally, the collaboration includes outbound scholarships and mobility programs designed to enhance the exchange of students and staff, promote knowledge transfer, and provide international learning experiences.
During the academic and community engagement visit to Christchurch, the UTM delegation had the honour of meeting with the Muslim Association of Canterbury (MAC). MAC is a central organisation focused on uniting Muslims in the Canterbury region and shares its long-standing contributions, particularly in managing the Al-Noor Masjid.
One of the key discussion points was Islamic astronomy (ilmu falaq), especially regarding moon sighting (rukyah hilal) practices for determining the start of Ramadan and other significant Islamic dates. The conversation delved into the challenges of moon sighting in countries with varying geographical conditions and daylight patterns, such as New Zealand. This discussion opened up opportunities for academic collaboration, specifically in developing shared tools, observation techniques, and public awareness programs related to Islamic astronomy across different hemispheres.
A follow-up visit to Malaysia is scheduled for August 2025 to deepen discussions and identify potential areas for collaborative research, public outreach, and community-based education in astronomy that align with both scientific and spiritual significance.
Additionally, UTM delegates participated in APAIE (Asia-Pacific Association for International Education) networking sessions, which helped expand regional partnerships and reinforced UTM’s global reputation as a forward-thinking, research-intensive university.
“This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is more than just a formal agreement; it symbolises our mutual commitment to creating a future where knowledge knows no boundaries. Together with the University of Canterbury, we aim to tackle shared global challenges through innovation, sustainability, and educational excellence,” stated Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Vice Chancellor of UTM.
As part of the visit, the UTM delegation also collaborated with the Product Design School within the Faculty of Engineering at UC to explore interdisciplinary partnerships. This collaboration is a crucial step toward aligning UC’s design-thinking and innovation-driven curriculum with UTM’s newly established Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), fostering synergies between AI, user-centred design, and engineering solutions for the future.
A meaningful highlight of the visit was reconnecting with UTM alumna Dr. Clara Bah, who is now part of the academic staff at UC. Her journey exemplifies the global impact and success of UTM’s graduates, as well as the enduring connections between UTM and its international alumni network.
The official visit was led by Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, the Vice-Chancellor of UTM, along with Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, the Director of UTM International; Associate Professor Dr. Ajune Wanis Ismail, Head of ViCubeLab; and Dr. Fazliaty Edora, a Senior Academic and researcher. Their presence highlights UTM’s strong commitment to fostering strategic global partnerships and expanding its international research ecosystem.
UTM aims to transform this partnership into tangible benefits through collaborative programs that will support students, researchers, and the broader community. This collaboration further reinforces UTM’s dedication to its UTM ASCEND 2030 vision, positioning the institution as a leader in international partnerships that connect nations through science, technology, and education.
Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajune Wanis Ismail