MAKASSAR, Sep 20 – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid from the Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully completed a fully sponsored Invited Researcher Programme at Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), Indonesia, from 13 to 20 September 2026.

Officially appointed by UNHAS for her expertise in concrete materials and durability, Dr. Nur Hafizah participated in the programme under the active UTM–UNHAS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The visit translated this institutional partnership into practical laboratory collaboration, research mobility and knowledge exchange, strengthening academic ties between the two universities.

During five full working days, she worked closely with host researcher Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akbar Caronge from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNHAS. Their collaboration covered concrete testing, experimental preparation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, providing opportunities to exchange laboratory practices and discuss research findings.

Joint experimental activities at the Structures and Materials Laboratory included the Rapid Chloride Penetration Test, accelerated corrosion assessment supported by half-cell potential measurements, the Frattini test for pozzolanic reactivity, and the design and casting of lightweight foamed concrete. These activities supported knowledge sharing in concrete durability assessment and sustainable construction materials.

The programme also involved technical exchanges and research discussions with undergraduate and postgraduate students. Discussions addressed concrete-testing techniques, experimental procedures and the interpretation of laboratory results. These interactions connected practical laboratory work with research understanding, encouraging students to consider how experimental methods support reliable conclusions.

Beyond laboratory activities, Dr. Nur Hafizah participated in discussions with UNHAS management on future joint research, international funding opportunities and researcher mobility. The discussions highlighted UNHAS’s academic connections with Japanese institutions, as many of its academics pursued postgraduate education in Japan. These established relationships offer a potential pathway for future research collaboration involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan.

The programme supports two core pillars of UTM ASCEND 2030. Under Leap in Niche Excellence, it strengthened collaboration in sustainable concrete materials and durability, reinforcing UTM’s research expertise. Under Global Talent, it supported the development of technical competencies and international exposure among researchers and students from both institutions.

The visit also supports UTM’s institutional performance through relevant MyRA Section F and Section G indicators, particularly external sponsorship, international research networking under an active MoU and outbound research mobility.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the programme strengthened UTM’s international research visibility. It also established a foundation for future joint publications, collaborative funding applications and sustained academic engagement between the participating institutions.