ZHEJIANG, 29 Jan – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) have officially strengthened their international partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony held on 29 January 2026.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both institutions. ZSTU was represented by Prof. Yao Juming, Vice-President; Prof. Zhang Xianming, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering; Prof. Zhu Yaofeng, Vice-Dean of the same school; Dr. Qian Chen, Associate Professor; and officials from the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, including Lyu Yuanyuan, Director, as well as Prof. Wu Guan and Dr. Xu Yunsheng, Deputy Directors.

UTM was represented by Prof. Ts. Dr Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), and Assoc. Prof. Dr Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science.

The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two universities. It establishes a formal framework for collaboration in key areas, including joint research initiatives, academic and student exchanges, staff mobility, and innovation-driven activities, particularly in science and engineering. Alongside the MoU exchange, the UTM delegation, including Dr Juan Matmin and Dr Naharullah Jamaluddin, conducted an academic visit to the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the Advanced Textile Technology Innovation Centre in Shaoxing. The visit enabled in-depth discussions on research focus areas, laboratory facilities, and technological capabilities, especially in materials science and advanced textile technologies. This engagement further strengthened mutual understanding and identified potential avenues for future collaborative research and academic programmes.

Through this MoU, both universities reaffirm their commitment to fostering long-term international collaboration and advancing excellence in research, innovation, and higher education. Before the formalisation of this MoU, UTM and ZSTU had already established a foundation of academic collaboration through several joint initiatives. These included co-authoring research articles in areas related to materials science and engineering, reflecting shared research interests and complementary expertise among faculty members from both institutions.

In addition, outbound staff mobility programmes were successfully implemented, with UTM academic staff members Dr Juan Matmin and Dr Naharullah Jamaluddin participating in academic visits and research engagements at ZSTU. These mobility activities enabled knowledge transfer, academic networking, and the strengthening of professional ties, which contributed significantly to the trust and momentum leading to the MoU signing.

Looking ahead, both universities have outlined several future collaborative initiatives under the MoU framework. Key plans include establishing a joint laboratory between UTM and ZSTU to support collaborative research, shared use of facilities, and the development of innovative solutions in materials science and related fields. In addition, both institutions are exploring a student exchange programme during the summer holiday, offering students opportunities for international exposure, academic enrichment, and cross-cultural learning. These initiatives are expected to further deepen institutional collaboration and enhance the global academic engagement of both UTM and ZSTU.