The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), welcomed a distinguished delegation from Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), Taiwan, to explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration. The visit was led by Professor Sodio C. N. Hsu, Dean of the College of Life Science, accompanied by Professor Wei-Yu Lin, Chair of the Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry.
During the visit, representatives from UTM included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Development), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joazaizulfazli Jamalis, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab, Manager (External and Global Engagement), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lee Siew Ling, who coordinated the program. Representatives from the UTM International Office, Mr. Ahmad Hilman Borhan and Mr. Muhammad Amir Farhan Mat Faizal, were also present to facilitate the discussions.
A key highlight of the visit was a focused dialogue on establishing strategic partnerships between KMU’s Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry and UTM’s Department of Chemistry. Both parties expressed mutual interest in deepening research cooperation and initiating academic exchange.
Additionally, Prof. Hsu and Prof. Lin delivered an engaging session on the INTENSE Master’s Program to final-year Chemistry students. The fully sponsored program, supported by Taiwan’s industry partners, offers Malaysian students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Taiwan under a structured, internationally aligned curriculum.
Looking ahead, both institutions agreed on the intent to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed later in 2025—marking a significant milestone in fostering global partnerships in science and education.
Assoc Prof Dr Lee Siew Ling
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, UTM
