JOHOR BAHRU, 12 June 2026 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) reaffirmed its commitment to international academic collaboration through the successful organization of the UTM–Universitas Negeri Malang Strategic Knowledge and Collaboration Forum, held at the Lecture Hall, N31 Building, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), UTM. The forum also witnessed the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and Universitas Negeri Malang, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional partnerships in higher education, research, and innovation.
The delegation from Universitas Negeri Malang was led by Prof. Dr. Hariyono, Rector of Universitas Negeri Malang, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), and Prof. Dr. Hadi Nur. The visit highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and their shared aspiration to expand collaborative initiatives across multiple disciplines.
The program commenced with a welcoming address by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Safwan Abd Aziz, Director of ISI-SIR, followed by remarks from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science, UTM. In her speech, she emphasized the vital role of international collaboration in advancing academic excellence, research impact, and innovation. She highlighted the diverse expertise available within the Faculty of Science, encompassing the Departments of Biosciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematical Sciences, which provide extensive opportunities for joint research and academic engagement.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz further noted that the partnership between UTM and Universitas Negeri Malang has evolved over many years through student and staff mobility programmes, joint research activities, collaborative publications, and international conferences. The renewed MoU, she explained, reflects a mutual commitment to expanding cooperation in high-impact research, postgraduate co-supervision, curriculum development, academic exchanges, and the sharing of research facilities and expertise.
A key highlight of the forum was the delivery of two distinguished public lectures. The first lecture, titled “Beyond Colonial Boundaries: Reweaving Historical Connections for Regional Progress,” was presented by Prof. Dr. Hariyono. He discussed the importance of reconnecting historical, cultural, and educational ties among regional nations as a foundation for sustainable development and future prosperity.
The second lecture, “Bridging Culture and Science: Local Wisdom-Based Citizen Science to Enhance Scientific Literacy in Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped Regions (3T),” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono. His presentation highlighted the value of integrating indigenous knowledge and citizen science approaches to improve scientific literacy and community engagement, particularly in underserved regions.
The forum culminated in the official exchange of the renewed MoU between UTM and Universitas Negeri Malang. The agreement will serve as a strategic framework for collaborative initiatives over the next three years, focusing on international research grant applications, joint supervision of doctoral candidates, enhanced academic mobility programmes, and co-authored publications in high-impact journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science.
Looking ahead, both institutions expressed their intention to broaden the collaboration through multidisciplinary initiatives involving additional faculties and research centres. Areas of mutual interest include climate change, digital transformation, food security, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The partnership will also support STEM outreach programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
The successful organization of the forum underscores the shared commitment of UTM and Universitas Negeri Malang to strengthening regional academic networks and advancing higher education through strategic international collaboration, ultimately benefiting both institutions and society at large.
