USM, ITB SIGN MoA TO EXPAND MINERAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING COLLABORATION
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia, today strengthened their bilateral academic relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
The agreement was formalised between the USM School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering (PPKBSM) and the ITB Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering (FTTM), particularly in the fields of engineering, mining, mineral resources, metallurgy and materials.
Director of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, said previous collaboration between USM and ITB had included student exchanges, visiting lecturers and the appointment of external examiners, providing a strong foundation for expanding the academic networks of both institutions.
He said the USM School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering has its own strengths, particularly through its Mineral Resources Engineering programme, which is the only undergraduate programme of its kind in Malaysia, while also being a pioneer in the fields of Materials Engineering and Polymer Engineering.
“It is hoped that this MoA will be fully leveraged through joint research, international grant applications and international exposure programmes such as summer camps, which can help build a more open and dynamic academic ecosystem,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dean of FTTM ITB, Professor Dr. Eng. Ir. Syafrizal, said the academic fields offered by FTTM and PPKBSM are strongly aligned and play an important role in addressing challenges faced by the industrial and energy sectors in Indonesia and Malaysia.
He said the MoA was not merely an administrative document, but rather a platform for implementing mutually beneficial activities, including student and academic staff mobility to develop professional networks, cross-cultural understanding, knowledge sharing, technological innovation and expertise transfer.
Meanwhile, Dean of PPKBSM, Professor Ts. Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff, said the collaboration would also provide opportunities for both institutions to expand teaching and learning activities, joint research, scientific publications, seminar organisation and joint supervision of postgraduate students.
He said current developments in the mineral resources industry require a more responsible approach, with greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, safety and the adoption of new technologies.
“What is important is to ensure that this commitment is translated into tangible activities and collaborations, particularly in research, talent development and expertise sharing, to contribute to more sustainable mineral resources development in the region,” he said.