ACEH, May 4 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to expand the reach of its research collaborations on the international stage through a strategic partnership with Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK). On May 4, 2026, UTM participated in the implementation and field testing of advanced anxiety detection technology at Meurah Dua Health Centre, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh Province.

This initiative represents a meaningful cross-border scientific contribution, particularly in addressing the psychological impact of natural disasters. Following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Senyar, many residents continue to experience prolonged trauma, including heightened anxiety triggered by environmental cues such as thunder and heavy rain. The deployment of this technology aims to enhance mental health awareness and provide early detection of emotional distress among disaster survivors.

In this international collaborative research programme, the UTM delegation is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norma Alias from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE). To ensure effective field implementation, UTM assembled a multidisciplinary research team, including Electroencephalography (EEG) expert Dr. Arief Ruhullah A. Harris, who plays a critical role in EEG data acquisition, signal processing, and AI-based analysis.

“Our aspiration is for this research to go beyond academic publication and create tangible benefits for the community, especially for disaster survivors who require timely and effective mental health support,” said Dr. Norma.

At the research site, the UTM team worked closely with USK researchers led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Roslidar, S.T., M.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng., reinforcing strong bilateral collaboration between higher education institutions in the Southeast Asian region.

The data collection process was conducted systematically, beginning with psychoeducation sessions on post-disaster anxiety. Participants were then guided through EEG recording sessions, where their brainwave signals were captured and visualised in real time using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered systems. The integration of EEG technology with Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence enables real-time stress assessment and predictive emotional trajectory analysis, offering both valuable research data and interactive mental health education for the community.

Approximately 30 residents who lost their homes and livelihoods participated in the initial phase, while around 30 healthcare personnel are expected to undergo subsequent testing. This approach not only strengthens local capacity in mental health monitoring but also enhances community resilience in post-disaster recovery.

The initiative received full support from the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and managed under the EQUITY Programme (Contract No. 4318/B3/DT.03.08/2025 and No. 491/UN11/HK.02.06/2025), reflecting strong alignment between academic research and community needs.

Beyond its immediate impact, this project contributes to broader global and institutional agendas. It supports the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by advancing mental health interventions and fostering international collaboration. From an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) perspective, the initiative highlights the social dimension through community engagement, inclusive healthcare innovation, and ethical deployment of emerging technologies.

Furthermore, the project strengthens key performance indicators relevant to the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, particularly in areas of research impact, international outlook, and knowledge transfer. By translating research into real-world solutions, UTM and USK demonstrate their commitment to impactful scholarship that addresses pressing humanitarian challenges.

Overall, this international research collaboration exemplifies how universities can leverage scientific innovation to deliver meaningful societal impact, reinforcing UTM’s position as a global research university actively contributing to sustainable development and community well-being in the region.