JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 5 – The Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has taken a significant step in strengthening its international research engagement through the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir, India. The collaboration aims to advance long-term, high-impact research in membrane technology, water treatment systems, and sustainable engineering solutions.

The initiative to establish the MoU originated from an academic visit by Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, a globally recognised expert in membrane science and technology, to India following his invitation as a speaker at an international conference. During the visit, a series of technical and strategic discussions were conducted between AMTEC UTM and IUST, focusing on collaborative opportunities in advanced membrane materials, desalination, wastewater treatment, and translational research addressing real-world challenges.

These discussions culminated in a mutual agreement to formalise collaboration through an MoU, providing a structured framework for comprehensive and sustainable long-term cooperation. The agreement encompasses joint research and innovation projects, academic and researcher mobility, co-supervision of postgraduate students, collaborative publications, and joint organisation of international conferences and workshops, as well as engagement in international research grants and funding opportunities.

The collaboration was officially cemented during an online meeting held on 5 December, involving representatives from AMTEC UTM and IUST. The meeting confirmed that the MoU had been fully executed following the signing of the document by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of IUST, after receiving the MoU from UTM via postal delivery. This milestone marked the formal commencement of collaborative activities between the two institutions.

During the meeting, the IUST delegation, led by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, expressed their sincere appreciation for AMTEC UTM’s consistent support throughout every stage of the MoU process. They also conveyed their gratitude for the proposal of a future physical academic visit and for the invitation to participate as a speaker in upcoming international platforms, including ISET 2026, reflecting strong interest in sustaining active engagement with AMTEC-led initiatives.

Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Ts. Dr. Juhana Jaafar, Director of AMTEC, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership and said, “This MoU represents a strategic platform for AMTEC to expand its international research network while strengthening UTM’s position as a global reference centre in membrane technology. Through collaboration with IUST, we aim to accelerate impactful research outcomes, enhance knowledge exchange, and jointly address global challenges related to water security and environmental sustainability.”

The partnership underscores AMTEC’s continued role in positioning UTM as a regional and international leader in membrane technology research. By fostering strong collaborations with reputable global institutions, AMTEC enhances research visibility, promotes translational impact, and supports UTM’s aspiration to deliver innovative solutions with tangible societal and environmental benefits.

This MoU also reflects UTM’s commitment to research excellence, global engagement, and sustainable innovation, in line with the university’s strategic agenda to strengthen international partnerships and advance high-impact research ecosystems.