đź“ť Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its international research presence through a visit by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor to Guangdong University of Technology in China, highlighting its expertise in artificial intelligence and disaster management. The visit led to discussions on potential collaborations, including a joint research platform on AI for disaster resilience and smart infrastructure. The engagement positions UTM as a trusted global collaborator and supports the development of safer and more disaster-resilient communities.
GUANGZHOU, Sept 1 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthens its international research presence through an academic visit by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, to Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) in Guangzhou, China.
The engagement highlighted Prof. Ali’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and his leadership in connecting advanced technology with real-world challenges. During a public lecture on “AI for Disaster Management” at GDUT’s School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, he explained how AI can support disaster prediction, early-warning systems and faster, evidence-based decisions that help protect communities and critical infrastructure.
His lecture demonstrated UTM’s strength in applying digital technologies beyond the laboratory. It also positioned Prof. Ali as an active Malaysian academic voice in international discussions on responsible innovation, climate resilience and safer cities.
Prof. Ali was welcomed by Prof. Zhao Zhiwei, Dean of the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, together with senior academics and researchers. The exchange was hosted by Prof. Du Xing, Associate Dean, and involved Prof. Xu Chuang as well as researchers linked to the Institute of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
During the meeting, Prof. Ali introduced UTM’s research and innovation ecosystem and called for partnerships that deliver measurable benefits to industry and society.
“Research outcomes should move beyond the laboratory to create meaningful impact for industry, communities and society. Through international collaboration, we can combine complementary expertise and accelerate the translation of knowledge into real-world solutions,” he said.
The discussions identified promising areas for cooperation, including AI-enabled disaster forecasting, flood and water-system resilience, digital twins, intelligent simulation, structural health monitoring, smart construction and data-driven disaster management. Both universities also explored joint research projects, international funding applications, high-impact publications, postgraduate co-supervision, researcher mobility, and faculty and student exchanges.
One longer-term possibility is a UTM–GDUT joint research platform on AI for disaster resilience and smart infrastructure. Such a platform could connect Malaysia and China in comparative studies involving tropical floods, extreme rainfall, urban resilience, geological hazards and climate-related risks, while extending the benefits to the wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The visit built on academic ties established since 2021 and reflected a shared intention to move from general engagement towards structured, outcome-driven collaboration. GDUT also hosted the 7th International Conference on Civil Architecture and Disaster Prevention and Control (CADPC 2026), supported by UTM’s Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA).
Through Prof. Ali’s participation and visible contribution abroad, UTM continues to showcase its expertise, research leadership and commitment to international partnerships. The engagement strengthens UTM’s standing as a trusted global collaborator and supports the development of safer, smarter and more disaster-resilient communities.
