JOHOR BAHRU, 27 Feb – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its academic and research collaboration with Xiamen University (XMU) through a substantial USD 2 million software donation from XMU and General Mathematical-Physics Technology Co. Ltd. (GMPT). This advanced semiconductor and electromagnetic simulation software will enhance UTM’s research capabilities and foster closer academic ties between Malaysia and China.
The XMU-UTM Software Sponsorship Ceremony, which took place at Dewan Senat Ainuddin Wahid, UTM Johor Bahru, was attended by several distinguished guests, including UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Chairman of XMU Council Prof. Zhang Rong, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of GMPT,, Invest Johor, and DF Automation & Robotics Sdn. Bhd. Representatives from the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) were also present, along with members of UTM’s academic and research community.
Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing UTM’s commitment to research excellence and global partnerships. He highlighted the university’s strong academic standing, with its Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) ranked among the Top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2024 and achieving its highest-ever placement at 28th in Asia in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025. The collaboration includes the donation of Nuwa TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design) and Macondo software, which are advanced tools for semiconductor simulation and electromagnetic wave optics analysis. These resources will assist UTM researchers and collaborators in developing innovations in electronic systems and semiconductor technology, ensuring that UTM remains at the forefront of cutting-edge research.
Prof. Zhang Rong reiterated Xiamen University’s dedication to international collaboration in science and technology, recognizing the long-standing relationship between XMU and UTM. To date, Xiamen University has formed cooperative agreements with over 200 institutions abroad, including 34 in Southeast Asia and four in Malaysia. This collaboration, initiated by Prof. Huang Kai from XMU and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eileen Su Lee Ming from UTM, aims to accelerate research advancements and enhance partnerships between the two universities.
This initiative signifies a new beginning for XMU and UTM to strengthen their collaborative research endeavors, focusing on semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, and technical design applications. The software will be incorporated into undergraduate, master’s, and PhD research projects, acting as a vital tool for education, circuit design, and addressing complex technical challenges in electrical engineering. The event concluded with the issuance of a sponsorship appreciation certificate, a souvenir exchange, and a roundtable discussion aimed at broadening research opportunities between UTM and XMU. This partnership is anticipated to foster joint research projects and enhance academic collaboration in the future.
