JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 7 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its research agenda through a strategic collaboration with the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, marked by the launch of a Joint Satellite Laboratory, a collaborative platform that brings together the expertise of both institutions to address global challenges.

The launch ceremony, held at N28a, Faculty of Computing, UTM Johor Bahru, signified a major milestone in the partnership, particularly in advancing research, innovation and talent development at the international level. The initiative focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, extended reality (XR) and advanced computing.

This collaboration builds on an existing relationship formalised through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from 2025 to 2030, further strengthening international research ties between the two universities.

The initiative combines complementary expertise to drive high-impact research in key strategic areas, with the aim of contributing to global knowledge development while delivering practical solutions to complex societal challenges.

In his welcoming remarks, UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, expressed gratitude and pride over the achievement. “With the launch of this lab, I am confident that our capacity to produce innovative, global solutions will be vastly expanded. It will pave the way for dynamic research and development (R&D) in digital innovation, immersive technologies, and artificial intelligence, while facilitating a seamless transfer of knowledge and technology between our universities.”

He also emphasised that the synergy between international academic institutions, industry partners and government agencies is a key driver in producing globally competitive innovative solutions.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of Canterbury Prof. Lucy Johnston, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. “The launch of this joint research laboratory represents the next chapter in our partnership. It builds on our MoU and reflects a relationship that has grown steadily through collaboration.”

As a symbolic gesture, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry and Prof. Lucy signed a commemorative plaque to mark the launch of the UTM-UC Joint Satellite Laboratory. The laboratory aims to produce globally competitive graduates and researchers. In line with future workforce demands, the collaboration will facilitate joint supervision, mobility programmes and exposure to international research ecosystems.

The event also featured an interactive laboratory tour showcasing AI and immersive technologies, along with engagement sessions connecting local researchers with global academic leadership. The satellite laboratory is expected to accelerate technology transfer and support start-up incubation through the international industry networks of both universities.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Digital Transformation) Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Mohd Nasir Wan Kadir, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Computing Prof. Dr. Azlan Mohd Zain, and Director of UTM International Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, along with representative of UC HIT Lab NZ and Digital Screen, Assoc. Prof. Adrian Clark and UC Global Engagement, Sakinah Tuan Besar.

This collaboration serves as a model of cross-institutional partnership that reinforces UTM’s position as a global research hub, while paving the way for long-term societal impact in advanced computing and immersive digital innovation.