PARIS, Sep 21 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has marked a significant milestone in its internationalisation journey with the establishment of a formal collaboration with Télécom Paris, one of France’s leading institutions in engineering, technology and digital innovation and a member of the prestigious Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Paris on 21 September 2026 by the President of Télécom Paris, Patrick Olivier and UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus. The signing was witnessed by the Director of the International Office, Prof. Naviner from Télécom Paris and the Director of UTM International Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan.

The collaboration represents a significant step in UTM’s efforts to expand strategic partnerships with leading global institutions and strengthen Malaysia’s engagement with the French higher education, research and innovation ecosystem.

Building on the institutional significance of the MoU, the UTM delegation held a three-hour strategic engagement with Télécom Paris to explore areas of collaboration that can be translated into substantive academic and research outcomes. The discussions focused on establishing clear pathways for implementation, with emphasis on strengthening academic linkages, expanding international exposure and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

The collaboration also forms part of UTM’s broader engagement with the French higher education ecosystem. To date, UTM has established collaborations with several universities in France, involving a diverse range of academic and research programmes and activities.

Within this broader framework, the partnership with Télécom Paris will provide new avenues for UTM students and staff to participate in international mobility and academic exchange, while enabling both institutions to explore opportunities for joint research and postgraduate development. In particular, discussions have identified potential areas for research collaboration and PhD co-supervision, with implementation targeted from 2027.

The partnership therefore represents more than a formal institutional agreement. It provides a strategic platform for sustained engagement in education, mobility and research, while connecting the expertise and capabilities of two institutions within their respective national higher education ecosystems. Through this collaboration, UTM aims to further expand its international academic networks in France and create meaningful opportunities that contribute to the University’s broader internationalisation agenda.

For UTM, the collaboration opens a new avenue into the French higher education landscape and further strengthens the University’s commitment to building international partnerships that create tangible opportunities and value for students, academics and researchers.

The UTM–Télécom Paris partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting expertise, talent and innovation across borders, while creating new pathways for academic collaboration and strengthening the international presence of both institutions.

One partnership. Two countries. Shared ambitions.