JOHOR BAHRU, 19 June – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, have renewed their partnership through another signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. Held at UTM Johor Bahru, the event highlighted the long-standing and fruitful relationship between the two prestigious institutions, which dates back to 2010.
Attended by several prominent figures from both universities, UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, expressed his delight in welcoming Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, and his delegation.
Professor Fauzi emphasized the significance of this MoU, stating, “This formal Memorandum of Understanding signifies a renewed and strengthened commitment to working together.” He further noted the presence of nearly 20 UTM academic staff who are alumni of Newcastle University as a testament to the deep-rooted connections between the two institutions.
“The collaboration has already borne fruit, particularly in the fields of water security and marine studies, garnering over six million Malaysian Ringgit in funding from the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng). This partnership has led to significant advancements in these critical areas, demonstrating the power of joint research efforts,” he added.
Additionally, the proximity of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NuMed) and Newcastle University in Singapore to UTM’s main campus in Johor Bahru presents an exceptional opportunity to expand collaboration into new research and academic areas. This strategic location facilitates seamless knowledge exchange and fosters innovation across diverse disciplines.
The recent mandate by the Malaysian government for UTM to establish the nation’s first AI Faculty opens up new avenues for collaboration. Preliminary discussions have already begun to explore potential partnerships in AI and sports science, indicating a promising future for the institutions’ joint endeavors.
To echo this notion, Professor Chris Day highlighted that the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne is part of the National Edge AI Hub, which will be a platform for dynamic collaboration, innovation, and community-building in AI and edge computing.
“I look forward to working on the challenges that both of our countries are dealing with and the opportunities AI has to offer through academic and research collaboration, building on our previous MoU,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Professor Fauzi reiterated the strong commitment of both institutions to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing. He stated, “Our ceremony underscores the commitment of both institutions to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing.” This sentiment reflects the dedication of UTM and Newcastle University to not only maintain but also elevate their partnership to new heights.
The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing relationship between UTM and Newcastle University, paving the way for future collaborations that will undoubtedly contribute to significant advancements in various fields of study.
Present at the ceremony were Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Professor Stephanie Glendinning; Regional Provost and Group CEO (ASEAN), Newcastle University, Professor Dennis Wong; Director of UTM International, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan; and Director of The Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), Professor Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor.
