UTM researchers strengthen international academic collaboration through Adjunct Professor Program at ITS Surabaya

Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof

📝 Summary

Researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened international academic collaboration with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, through the Adjunct Professor Program. The program aimed to foster collaboration in research, academic publications, and student mobility, and identified areas for long-term collaboration in membrane technology, sustainable energy, and environmental engineering. The engagement is expected to create long-term benefits for researchers, students, and the broader academic community in both Malaysia and Indonesia.

SURABAYA, June 5 – Two researchers from the Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully completed an international academic engagement programme under the Adjunct Professor Program at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia, from 1 to 5 June 2026.

The program was conducted under the World Class University (WCU) Program: Enhancing Quality Education for International Impacts and Recognition (EQUITY), an initiative aimed at strengthening international academic networks, promoting knowledge exchange, and enhancing the global visibility and impact of higher education institutions.

Representing UTM were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof and Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye, both from the Department of Energy Engineering, FKT, and full members of the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), UTM. Throughout the five-day program, the UTM delegates actively participated in a series of academic and research activities designed to foster collaboration between UTM and ITS.

The program provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise in research methodology and membrane separation technologies while exploring opportunities for future joint research initiatives, academic publications, postgraduate student supervision, and student mobility programs.

A key highlight of the program was the Guest Lecture Series delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof and Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye, focusing on recent advancements in membrane technology and the application of membrane technologies for wastewater treatment. The lectures attracted strong participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academic staff from ITS.

Participants of the Guest Lecture Series at ITS Surabaya pose for a group photograph with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof and Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye, following a knowledge-sharing session on membrane technology and wastewater treatment

In addition to the guest lectures, both researchers conducted laboratory visits within the Department of Chemical Engineering, ITS, to gain insights into the university’s research facilities and ongoing projects. The delegation also visited the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) ITS, where they were introduced to several commercialized research products developed by ITS researchers.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences in research translation, innovation management, and technology commercialization, while exploring potential avenues for joint research and product development between the two institutions.

UTM delegates visit the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Laboratory at ITS Surabaya as part of discussions on future collaborative research and laboratory networking initiatives

Through academic discussions, networking sessions, and research meetings with faculty members and researchers from ITS, both institutions identified several strategic areas for long-term collaboration. These include membrane technology, sustainable energy systems, environmental engineering, water and wastewater treatment, and other emerging technologies that contribute to sustainable development and global environmental solutions.

One of the key outcomes of the program was the strengthening of academic and research partnerships between UTM and ITS. The engagement also facilitated discussions on collaborative grant applications, co-authored publications in high-impact journals, joint supervision of postgraduate students, staff and student mobility programs, and future research commercialisation initiatives.

As part of the EQUITY initiative, the program aligns with UTM’s aspiration to expand its international footprint and reinforce its position as a globally recognised research university. Participation in such international academic activities not only enhances the quality of education and research but also contributes to the development of globally competent graduates and researchers capable of addressing global challenges.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhaniza Yusof, international collaborations play a crucial role in advancing research excellence and fostering innovation. She noted that the program provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and the development of collaborative projects that could generate significant scientific, technological, and societal impacts.

Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye also emphasized that the collaboration between UTM and ITS reflects the commitment of both institutions to fostering academic excellence and innovation through strategic international partnerships. Such engagements are expected to create long-term benefits for researchers, students, and the broader academic community in both Malaysia and Indonesia.

UTM researchers with the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology and System Engineering, Prof. Juwari and faculty members of the Department of Chemical Engineering, ITS Surabaya.

The successful implementation of the Adjunct Professor Program demonstrates UTM’s continuous commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships and contributing to the advancement of higher education, research excellence, innovation, and sustainable development at both regional and international levels.

Co-authored by Prof Dr Lau Woei Jye