đź“ť Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has appointed Prof. Emeritus Dr. Takeshi Matsuura as a UTM ASCEND Distinguished Professor to strengthen its global academic presence and pursue academic and research excellence. Matsuura’s appointment will facilitate international research collaboration, academic mentoring, and networking opportunities for UTM academics. The appointment is expected to enhance UTM’s international research impact and build a globally connected academic community.
JOHOR BAHRU, Sep 25 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its global academic presence through the appointment and engagement of Prof. Emeritus Dr. Takeshi Matsuura as a UTM ASCEND Distinguished Professor, bringing together his extensive international academic experience, research expertise and global networks to support UTM’s pursuit of academic and research excellence.
The appointment represents a strategic opportunity for UTM to leverage Prof. Matsuura’s distinguished experience in strengthening international research collaboration, academic mentoring, global networking, mobility opportunities and high-impact scholarly engagement. His role provides a platform to connect UTM academics with established researchers, universities, research institutions and industry partners internationally.
As part of the proposed activities for 2026, Prof. Matsuura engaged with the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT) management on 23 September 2026 to discuss his appointment and explore opportunities for his continued contribution to the Faculty and the wider UTM academic community. The appointment is particularly important in supporting the development of a sustainable and globally connected academic ecosystem. Through his experience and international networks, Prof. Matsuura can facilitate opportunities for joint research, publications, academic mobility, co-supervision, visiting appointments and engagement with international research communities. He has also identified numerous industrial personnel as potential collaborators and quality contacts for UTM.
From 22 to 24 September 2026, Prof. Matsuura also participated in ISET2026 & RCEnvE2026 as a Plenary Speaker, providing an important platform for knowledge exchange and engagement with researchers and academics from diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, several initiatives are planned for October 2026, including a Masterclass with Young Academic Staff entitled “Building a Sustainable & Excellent Academic Career.” The programme aims to provide young academics with insights into developing sustainable academic careers, strengthening research profiles and building meaningful international networks.
A further session, “Connecting FKT to Global Academic and Industry Networks,” will explore opportunities to strengthen relationships between FKT and international universities, research institutions and industry partners. These initiatives are expected to create practical pathways for academics to expand their collaboration beyond institutional boundaries.
The collaboration will also continue into 2027 through joint publications and research activities, providing a longer-term framework for sustained scholarly engagement.
Prof. Matsuura’s appointment as UTM ASCEND Distinguished Professor therefore represents more than an academic appointment. It serves as a strategic platform for knowledge transfer, academic mentorship, international networking and research capacity development, supporting UTM’s aspiration to build a globally connected academic community and enhance its international research impact.
Co-author: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasrinah Hasbullah
