JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 13 – A delegation from Shandong University of Science and Technology (SDUST) visited Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) from August 13 to 14, 2024, to explore potential collaborations in hydrography and geospatial science. Led by Prof. Dr. Fan Junfeng, Dean of the College of Geodesy and Geomatics, the delegation included prominent figures such as Prof. Dr. Li Shujun, senior lecturers Dr. Cui Xiaodong, and Dr. Li Zeyu, from the College of Geodesy and Geomatics.
The primary focus of the visit was to foster cooperation in the FIG/IHO/ICA Category ‘A’ Hydrography programme, a critical field in geospatial science. Both universities engaged in productive discussions aimed at enhancing academic relationships, advancing research collaboration, and promoting the exchange of knowledge in hydrography. This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing international collaboration between UTM and SDUST, with both institutions committed to improving the quality and scope of their respective programmes.
Ten members of UTM’s Hydrography Steering Committee participated in the discussions, including:
- Sr Gs Dr. Othman Zainon, Director of Geoinformation
- Prof. Sr Dr. Mohd Razali Mahmud, Chair of the Steering Committee
- Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr. Ami Hassan Md Din, Programme Manager of UTM HYDRO II
- Sr Dr. Khairulnizam M. Idris, Programme Manager of UTM HYDRO III
- Ts. Gs. Dr. Muhammad Imzan Hassan, Programme Manager of UTM HYDRO II
- Sr Dr. Mohd Farid Mohd Ariff, Programme Manager of UTM CARTO I
- Sr Dr. Mohd Wahid Rasib, Committee Member
- Sr Dr. Kelvin Tang Kang Wee, Committee Member
- Sr Dr. Mohammad Hanif Hamden, Committee Member
- Sr Dr. Norhadija Darwin, Secretary
The session began with presentations by Prof. Sr. Dr. Mohd Razali Mahmud and Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr. Ami Hassan Md Din on UTM’s HYDRO Programme and the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU). The UTM team also addressed SDUST’s inquiries regarding the preparation of accreditation documents for the hydrography programme, which SDUST is benchmarking against UTM’s successful implementation.
As part of the visit, the SDUST delegation toured several UTM facilities, including the UTM HYDRO I/II Classroom, FABU Gallery, UTM Tropical Park, UTM Observatory, Cadastral and Engineering Surveying Lab, Astronomy and Geodesy Lab, 3D GIS Lab, UTM Helipad, and Hydrography Lab. The tour extended to off-campus locations such as Forest City, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya, and Kampung Pendas in Gelang Patah, Johor, where the delegation observed practical hydrography surveying work.
The visit also served as a platform to discuss the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and SDUST. This MoU is expected to strengthen cooperation through initiatives such as student exchange programmes, joint research projects, co-supervision of research, research funding, academic publications, and staff exchange. The SDUST delegation expressed optimism about the potential for future visits from UTM representatives, paving the way for new joint research ventures and a stronger academic partnership.
