USM PENANG, 26 June 2025 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), proudly hosted a delegation from the University of Idaho, United States, during a courtesy visit recently.

The visit which was led by Professor Xiao Hu centered on the Architecture programme and marked a significant step toward fostering academic collaboration and strengthening ties between the two institutions.

The delegation members consisted of architecture students from the University of Idaho.

Their visit was part of a regional educational tour aimed at expanding global academic engagement and providing international exposure to their students.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Dean of HBP, Associate Professor Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, along with other faculty members.

During the meeting, Azree emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in advancing academic excellence and global perspectives among students and academics.

He expressed his appreciation on the visit, highlighting that such engagements are vital in fostering meaningful academic partnerships across borders.

“We are truly delighted to welcome our colleagues and students from the University of Idaho to HBP,” he shared.

“This visit is a valuable opportunity for both institutions to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage in discussions that push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity.”

Azree further noted that HBP places strong emphasis on cultivating a global outlook within its academic programmes.

He stated that collaboration with international institutions like the University of Idaho enhances the school's efforts to prepare students for real-world challenges through exposure to diverse design contexts and interdisciplinary approaches.

“Our discussion today not only strengthens academic ties but also paves the way for future joint initiatives in teaching, research, and student mobility,” he added.

“We see great potential in exploring collaborative projects, especially in areas such as sustainable development, cultural heritage conservation, and innovative building practices.”

He also acknowledged the active participation of students during the visit, noting their curiosity and enthusiasm as a promising sign of a new generation of globally conscious professionals.

“It is through interactions like these that we build bridges between institutions, cultures, and communities which could lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships based on shared values and mutual respect,” Azree concluded.

Xiao Hu then expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and fruitful discussions.

“This visit has been a great opportunity for our students to experience the architectural landscape of Malaysia and gain a deeper understanding of regional design thinking. We see strong potential for continued collaboration with HBP,” she said.

During the visit, a series of academic activities were conducted, including joint studio discussions, architectural critique sessions, and thematic presentations.

Students from both universities actively engaged in these sessions, exchanging creative ideas and learning from each other’s design philosophies.

The visit concluded with an insightful guided tour of USM’s state-of-the-art architectural Degree and Master’s studios, where the University of Idaho delegation had the opportunity to observe firsthand the innovative learning environment fostered at USM.

During the tour, the visiting students and faculty were introduced to various design projects and studio setups, showcasing the school’s emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology in architectural education.

Following the tour, a session was held between the students from both universities, providing a platform for engagement and open dialogue, idea-sharing, and collaborative brainstorming.

This interactive engagement allowed the students to exchange perspectives on design challenges, share their cultural and academic experiences, and build meaningful connections that transcend geographic boundaries.

Both institutions reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing their partnership beyond this initial visit.

Representatives from the USM Architecture programme, Ar. Tan Bee Eu, and the University of Idaho expressed enthusiasm about formalizing their collaboration through an official MoU.

These future partnerships aim to deepen academic ties not only in the field of architecture but also across related disciplines, fostering sustained cooperation in teaching, research, and student exchange programmes.

The visit ultimately set a promising foundation for ongoing collaboration, reflecting a shared vision to nurture global academic networks that would inspire innovation and cross-cultural learning.

Through continued dialogue and joint efforts, both universities look forward to creating enriching opportunities that would benefit faculty and students alike while contributing to the advancement of architectural education on an international scale.

Source Text & Photo: Ar. Tan Bee Eu/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin