USM PENANG, 26 July 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to advance its global engagement by strengthening international partnerships and expanding cooperation in research, education, and innovation—efforts expected to yield far-reaching benefits.

Most recently, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, led a delegation on a working visit to The University of Osaka.

The visit included a courtesy meeting with the university’s newly appointed President, Professor Dr. Kumanogoh Atsushi, who assumed office on 1 April 2025.

Coinciding with the visit, the institution officially rebranded its name from Osaka University to The University of Osaka.

Abdul Rahman highlighted the significance of the visit, both institutionally and personally, as it represents the continuation of initiatives he began nearly 20 years ago—initiatives that have since grown remarkably.

“The partnership between USM’s School of Chemical Engineering and the R3 Institute for Newly-Emerging Science Design, which started years ago, has now expanded into multiple disciplines and produced over 100 peer-reviewed international journal publications,” he shared.

Joining the Vice-Chancellor were the Director of the Research Creativity and Management Office (RCMO), Professor Dr. Zainovia Lokman, and the Director of the Academic and International Division, Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong.

Looking ahead, Abdul Rahman proposed a strategic collaboration between USM and The University of Osaka to cultivate skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry, aligning with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

Both universities agreed to focus upcoming joint research and exchange programmes on five key semiconductor areas: pre-manufacturing processes, post-manufacturing processes, input interface devices, output interface devices, and semiconductor material design and simulation.

During the visit, USM also reaffirmed its dedication to increasing participation in the Osaka University International Certification Programme (OUICP).

Since its inception in 2022, the programme has benefited over 20 academic staff and students. For the current year, USM plans to send four academic staff and five students to participate.

Additionally, both institutions committed to broadening research collaborations to boost enrollment in the Dual Doctorate Programme.

The courtesy meeting was attended by several representatives from The University of Osaka, including:

• Prof. HAYASHI Mikako, Executive Vice President of Global Engagement;
• Prof. MIYASAKA Hiroshi, Vice Director, R3 Institute for Newly-Emerging Science Design;
• Prof. MORIKAWA Yoshitada, Faculty of Engineering;
• Prof. FUJITA Kiyoshi, Regional Director, ASEAN Centre for Academic Initiatives;
• Prof. SUMIMURA Yoshinori, Institute for International Initiatives.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/ Photos: Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong