HAT YAI, May 7 – Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has officially appointed Professor Dr. Fahrul Zaman Huyop of the Department of Biosciences, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), as a Visiting Professor under its Reinventing University Program. This initiative is part of PSU’s strategic efforts to strengthen international collaboration, particularly among Southeast Asian universities, in the areas of research, teaching and learning, and cultural exchange.
As one of Thailand’s leading institutions, PSU is committed to enhancing global citizenship, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills among undergraduate students. This mission aligns with broader regional goals, including the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT)—a long-standing initiative launched in 1993 by Malaysia’s then-Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, with a vision extending to 2036. PSU’s internationalisation agenda is further supported by its active role in the ASEAN-European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET), comprising over 92 member universities across 14 countries. During his visit, Professor Fahrul met with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit, Assistant President for the Promotion of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed PSU’s strong interest in expanding academic and research collaborations with Malaysian universities. She highlighted the availability of postgraduate scholarships and internal research grants designed to support joint academic activities between PSU and UTM. Professor Fahrul’s appointment is hosted by the International Center of Excellence in Seafood Science and Innovation under PSU’s Faculty of Agro-Industry. A collaborative meeting was held with the center’s director, Professor Soottawat Benjakul, along with academic staff and research officers. Discussions focused on initiating joint research in bioactivity, particularly involving natural compounds from honey and related products such as propolis. This research direction aligns with the center’s current work on green, seafood-based preservatives that are safe for consumers and support Thailand’s national development goals, especially in the southern region.
Professor Fahrul also presented an overview of the academic programs and research activities within the Department of Biosciences at UTM, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate offerings as well as the department’s active research groups. This visit marks his second engagement with the center, following an earlier visit facilitated by Dr. Nurul Huda, currently an Adjunct Professor at Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. In addition to research discussions, Professor Fahrul was given a tour of PSU’s state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, PSU Science Park, and student and staff accommodations. He expressed his admiration for PSU’s international-standard infrastructure and its strong commitment to supporting both local and international scholars.
As Visiting Professor, Professor Fahrul encourages UTM students to consider PSU not only for academic mobility but also for postgraduate studies under PSU’s scholarship schemes. He also welcomed future opportunities for UTM staff to undertake research attachments, and for UTM students to pursue internships or final-year projects at PSU’s Centers of Excellence.
Located in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, PSU’s main campus—established in 1971—is one of five across Thailand. The Hat Yai campus is well-connected to Malaysia by both air and land, making it an accessible and attractive hub for regional academic exchange.