To foster deeper academic collaboration and explore new frontiers in research and innovation, Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and Associate Professor Dr Goh Pei Sean from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) embarked on a scholarly visit to several cities across China. The visit aimed to establish strategic partnerships, initiate joint research opportunities, and promote academic exchange with leading Chinese universities and research institutions. Through a series of high-level meetings, lectures, and lab visits, the delegation sought to enhance UTM’s global engagement and drive impactful international cooperation.
Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and Associate Professor Dr Goh Pei Sean visited Anhui Normal University at Wuhu, Anhui from 15 to 16 September. The Party Committee Deputy Secretary and University President, Xiong Yujie, met with the UTM researcher. The directors of the Development Planning Office, the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, the School of Chemistry & Materials Science, the School of Life Sciences, and the School of Physics & Electronic Information attended the meeting. The president expressed hope that both sides would strengthen joint efforts in fields such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, biocatalysis, intelligent materials and control, striving to yield more scientific and technological outcomes, further implementing the “Belt and Road” initiative, and working together to successfully establish joint laboratory projects. He also proposed that the two universities insist on integrating resources, promote deep integration of industry‑academia‑research and application, and enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning, thus contributing to deepening educational collaboration and talent exchange.
On 16 September, the UTM–Anhui Normal University Bilateral Forum was held in the library lecture hall. Members of the UTM delegation and several experts and scholars from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science delivered excellent academic reports. Faculty and students from the School of Chemistry & Materials Science participated in the forum, and both sides held lively discussions and deep dialogues.
On 17 September the UTM delegates visited Minnan University of Science and Technology, Quanzhou, Fujian. Chairman Xu Jingqi and President Wang Shukun warmly received the visit. In recognition of their academic excellence and contributions to international collaboration, Professor Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and Dr. Goh Pei Sean are appointed as Honorary Professors for International Education. On 18 September, the UTM delegates delivered an academic lecture to faculty members. Representatives from the Office of International Affairs, the Center for Faculty Development, and various colleges attended the event. Professor Fauzi delivered a lecture titled “Surviving in Academic Publication and Motivation to Publish in High Impact Factor Journals,” where he shared his extensive research journey and academic publishing experience with the researchers and students. During the interactive Q&A session, attendees actively raised questions related to peer review standards for high-impact journals and the role of artificial intelligence in academic writing. Professor Fauzi responded thoroughly, sparking lively discussion and engagement throughout the session. Associate Professor Dr. Goh introduced the latest research progress and breakthroughs in advanced material technologies, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between two institutions in tackling global challenges.
The UTM delegation’s visit to Dalian University of Technology (DUT), Dalian, Liaoning on the 20 September was hosted by Professor Wang Yin, Deputy Director of the Institute for Scientific and Technological Innovation, Academy of Science and Technology Research. The discussions focused on the critical role of energy and power engineering in modern science, technology, and industrial advancement, as well as its cutting-edge interdisciplinary applications in the field of Blue Economy. Key issues such as the safe, clean, and efficient storage, conversion, and utilization of energy, all central to achieving sustainable development were actively explored during the session. By fostering collaboration with diverse academic platforms and professional organizations, the meeting highlighted the collaboration in the area of energy and power-related fields to promote the sustainable exchange of knowledge, research findings, and innovative ideas.
