CHRISTCHURCH, Sep 1 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, through academic engagement, international student mobility, research exchange and discussions towards establishing a dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme. The UTM delegation was led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Sr. Dr. Nurul Hazrina Idris from UTM International and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajune Wanis Ismail from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

During our official meeting, we were joined by the Director of International Development, Graham Wise, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adrian Clark from the School of Product Design and Digital Screen Campus. We also had the pleasure of engaging with Dean of Postgraduate Research, Prof. Dr. Brigid McNeill; and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Engagement), Dr. David Craig, in discussions on the proposed Dual PhD Programme between UTM and the University of Canterbury. Our key agenda for the visit was to advance discussions on a proposed dual PhD programme between UTM and UC. The programme aims to offer doctoral candidates a structured international research pathway through joint academic supervision, research mobility, and access to complementary expertise and facilities at both institutions. However, the programme remains a proposal under discussion, and its establishment should not be understood as having been finalised.

The visit included the official opening of the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 (NEXT’26) student mobility programme at UC, alongside strategic discussions on postgraduate research collaboration and the proposed dual PhD programme. The engagement builds on the five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2025 and the establishment of the UTM–UC Joint Satellite Laboratory at the Faculty of Computing, UTM Johor Bahru, in April 2026.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus emphasised the importance of strengthening postgraduate research pathways through international academic collaboration, joint supervision and research mobility. Prof. Catherine Moran welcomed the UTM delegation and expressed UC’s enthusiasm for continuing its collaboration with UTM, highlighting opportunities for further cooperation between the two universities.

A key outcome of the partnership has been the implementation of NEXT’26, which brought 23 UTM students to UC for international academic exposure, technological exploration and intercultural engagement. The programme also encouraged cultural understanding between Malaysia and New Zealand through an exchange of cultural performances. These included Keranamu Malaysia, presented in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day, and the Māori waiata Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, reflecting mutual respect and international friendship.

The discussions also reflect the universities’ continued efforts to build on existing cooperation and identify further opportunities for academic exchange. By connecting student mobility with postgraduate research planning, the partnership brings together activities at different stages of the academic journey. The engagement also provides a platform for both institutions to explore how their respective expertise and facilities could support collaborative research and international learning opportunities. These areas remain central to the partnership’s longer-term direction.

The continued collaboration reflects a shared commitment to turning institutional partnerships into academic outcomes, international research opportunities and global talent development. Aligned with UTM ASCEND 2030, the initiative supports UTM’s strategic aspirations to strengthen global engagement, research excellence, international reputation and the development of future-ready talent.