Bangkok, Thailand – 25-26 February 2025 – A delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully conducted a research and academic benchmarking visit to Mahidol University, Thailand, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and mathematical modelling. The visit, organized by the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Mahidol University, aimed to enhance research collaborations and explore innovative AI applications in fluid mechanics and mathematical simulations.
This visit was spearheaded by Fluid Mechanics Research Group (FMRG) from the Faculty of Science, UTM, marking a strategic step toward integrating AI into mathematical modelling, a rapidly evolving field with immense potential across scientific disciplines.
Forging Stronger Ties in AI and Mathematical Research
The two-day visit involved extensive discussions between UTM researchers and experts from Mahidol University’s Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Key highlights included:
1. Mathematical Simulation and AI Integration
- Discussions on leveraging Machine Learning (ML) and AI for fluid mechanics and mathematical simulations.
- Collaboration with Assistant Professor Somkid Amornsamarnkul, Assistant Professor Chanun Lewchalermvongs, and other faculty members at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University.
- Prof. Dr. Sharidan Shafie, Head of FMRG, UTM, presented an overview of UTM’s Faculty of Science, research initiatives, and student programs, opening doors for future academic exchanges.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) and AI in Education
- Engagement with Mahidol-Bremen Medical Informatics Research Unit (MIRU), led by Prof. Dr. Peter Haddawy, on VR applications for education and medical training.
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge VR technology developed by Mahidol University.
- Prof. Madya Dr. Zuhaila Ismail from UTM presented VR-based mathematical simulation projects, receiving positive feedback and collaboration offers.
3. Establishing Formal Research Collaboration
- Discussions with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapan Kusakunniran (Chair of Machine Vision and Information Transfer Lab (MVIT) and Ph.D. Program Chair in Computer Science) and Dr. Pisit Praiwattana (Assistant Dean for Organizational Communication and Media) at Faculty of ICT, Mahidol University.
- Finalizing Letter of Intent (LOI) to formalize research collaboration between UTM and Mahidol University.
- Exploring joint research funding opportunities and international grant applications.
UTM Delegation and Participants
The visit was attended by esteemed researchers and faculty members from UTM and UTP, including:
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Delegation:
- Prof. Dr. Sharidan Shafie – Head of Fluid Mechanics Research Group (FMRG)
- Prof. Madya Dr. Zuhaila Ismail – Researcher, FMRG
- Dr. Lim Yeou Jiann – Researcher, FMRG
- Dr. Noraihan Afiqah Rawi – Researcher, FMRG
- Dr. Ahmad Qushairi Mohamad – Researcher, FMRG
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Representative:
- Dr. Mohd Nordin Zakaria – Department of Computer & Information Science, Faculty of Science and IT, UTP
Mahidol University Representatives:
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Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University:
- Assistant Professor Somkid Amornsamarnkul
- Assistant Professor Chanun Lewchalermvongs
- Emeritus Professor Dr. Yongwimon Lenbury – Director, Centre of Excellence in Mathematics
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Mahidol-Bremen Medical Informatics Research Unit (MIRU):
- Prof. Dr. Peter Haddawy
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Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mahidol University:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapan Kusakunniran – Head of MVIT Lab & Ph.D. Program Chair in Computer Science
- Dr. Pisit Praiwattana – Assistant Dean for Organizational Communication and Media
Milestone Achievement: Signing of Letter of Intent (LOI)
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between UTM and Mahidol University, signifying a commitment to future joint research in AI-driven mathematical modelling. The agreement will serve as a foundation for further collaboration, including joint publications, knowledge exchange programs, and AI-based research initiatives.
The LOI outlines plans for collaborative research projects, postdoctoral exchanges, and potential co-supervision of PhD students, reinforcing a long-term partnership between the institutions.
A Vision for the Future
UTM’s Faculty of Science continues to be at the forefront of AI integration in scientific research, aligning with Malaysia’s strategic vision to advance AI research and innovation, as highlighted in the 2024 National Budget initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Sharidan Shafie, Head of FMRG, emphasized,
“AI is no longer confined to computer science. It is transforming mathematical sciences, and this partnership with Mahidol University ensures that UTM stays ahead in AI-driven simulations and predictive modelling.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Madya Dr. Zuhaila Ismail expressed enthusiasm about the VR collaboration, stating,
“By integrating AI and VR into mathematical simulations, we are revolutionizing the way research and education intersect, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries.”
This collaboration is expected to benefit researchers, postdoctoral students, and industry partners by fostering new AI applications in fluid mechanics, engineering, and scientific simulations.
With strong support from both institutions, the UTM-Mahidol partnership is set to pave the way for future high-impact research in AI and mathematical modelling.
