HANGZHOU, May 13 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its international strategic network with the launch of the Zhejiang-Malaysia Joint Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory in collaboration with Zhejiang University (ZJU) during an official ceremony held at the Zijingang Campus in Hangzhou, China.

The UTM delegation was led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of UTM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, while the ZJU delegation was headed by Vice President of Zhejiang University, Prof. Gang Chen, together with Prof. Erping Li from the College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering (ISEE) and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

The launch of the joint laboratory marks the continued commitment of both institutions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vice-Chancellor of UTM and the President of ZJU on 19 December 2025, further strengthening Malaysia–China strategic collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and future technology development.

The joint laboratory will focus on three key areas, namely intelligent equipment development to drive the digital economy, digital transformation in smart agriculture, and the development of smart and sustainable cities.

Beyond scientific research, the collaboration also emphasises industry engagement and talent development through a cooperation model that includes joint research, industrial collaboration, academic mobility, and the development of highly skilled human capital in strategic technology fields.

According to Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, the establishment of the joint laboratory is not merely a symbol of academic collaboration but a strategic platform that connects research expertise, industrial innovation, and talent development between Malaysia and China.

“The establishment of the Zhejiang-Malaysia Joint Artificial Intelligence Laboratory reflects our shared commitment to strengthening an AI-driven innovation ecosystem that can create meaningful impact not only for universities, but also for industrial development, society, and the regional economy.

“This collaboration also creates opportunities for global talent development, high-impact research, and the exploration of future technological solutions aligned with the digital transformation and sustainable development agenda,” he said.

During the session, both universities also presented a progress report on the development of the joint laboratory and discussed future collaboration pathways aimed at accelerating strategic initiatives that would benefit students, universities, and the nation as a whole.

This collaboration further supports the aspirations of the UTM ASCEND 2030 Strategic Plan in strengthening research excellence, high-impact innovation, global networking, cross-border innovation ecosystems, and globally competitive talent development towards sustainable development and global well-being.

Also present during the session were the Administrative Officer at the Department of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) (JTNCHEPA), Muhamad Syafik Rahmat; Dean of the College of ISEE, Prof. Hongsheng Chen; Director of the Division of High and New Technology, Prof. Wenyuan Xu; and Deputy Director of the Office of Global Engagement at ZJU, Minjie Tian.

The establishment of the joint laboratory is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of high-impact technological solutions while further strengthening UTM’s position as a global research university actively leading the agenda of artificial intelligence and regional innovation.