📝 Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Keele University have strengthened their partnership with the launch of the Keele–UTM Centre of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, a dedicated platform for advancing cooperation in data analytics, AI, research, and innovation. The centre is expected to facilitate greater collaboration between researchers and academics from both universities, particularly in areas related to data analytics and artificial intelligence. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership, which has evolved from institutional intent to commitment, collaboration, and innovation.
NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, Sep 15 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Keele University have strengthened their strategic partnership with the launch of the Keele–UTM Centre of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, marking a new chapter in a collaboration that has progressively evolved from institutional intent to commitment, collaboration and innovation.
The launch represents a significant milestone in the partnership between the two universities, establishing a dedicated platform to advance cooperation in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), research and innovation, while creating opportunities for deeper academic and institutional engagement.
The Centre was officially launched by the Vice-Chancellor of UTM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, and the Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, Prof. Kevin Shakesheff, reflecting the strong institutional commitment of both universities towards advancing collaboration in data analytics, AI, research and innovation.
The launch was attended by UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, together with the Director of UTM International, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan. The event was also attended by members of the University Executive Committee of Keele University, reflecting the high-level institutional support for the continued development of the UTM–Keele partnership.
The UTM–Keele partnership dates back to 2024, when both universities signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) during the launch of UTM’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), Malaysia’s first dedicated Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The relationship subsequently progressed from intent to formal institutional commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and Keele University, establishing a structured framework for continued cooperation.
In 2025, the collaboration moved further into implementation with the establishment of the Joint Keele–UTM AI Research Satellite Lab, providing a platform for joint research, academic engagement, student and staff exchanges, and innovation.
Building on these milestones, the launch of the Keele–UTM Centre of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in 2026 marks the next stage of the partnership, moving from collaboration towards a more structured platform for institutional innovation and research.
The Centre is expected to facilitate greater collaboration between researchers and academics from both universities, particularly in areas related to data analytics and AI, while supporting the development of new research initiatives, academic opportunities and innovation-driven projects.
The continued development of the UTM–Keele partnership demonstrates how international university collaborations can evolve beyond formal agreements into sustained institutional engagement and tangible platforms for knowledge creation, talent development and innovation.
Looking ahead, the partnership is also set to explore further opportunities, including a Dual PhD Programme and participation in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) programme.
