PENANG, 5 April 2026 – On 3 April, the National Higher Education Research Institute (Institut Penyelidikan Pendidikan Tinggi Negara, IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) held a discussion session with ViTrox Academy Sdn. Bhd. in relation to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) established between both parties.

The session aimed to strengthen strategic academic–industry collaboration, particularly in advancing initiatives in STEM education and the broader higher education field.

The discussion focused on joint efforts in research, effective pedagogy, publication, and training aligned with industry needs.

According to IPPTN Director, Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, the collaboration represents a strategic effort to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in integrating academic knowledge with industry practice, particularly in enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes through evidence-based pedagogical approaches.

ViTrox Academy Principal, Dr. Janaka Low Chee Kong, emphasised that industry collaboration plays a crucial role in supporting talent development and equipping students with industry-relevant competencies, while providing valuable opportunities for practical exposure and applied learning.

Key areas of collaboration include the implementation of joint research on STEM pedagogy to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, co-publication of research outputs, and the organisation of industry-relevant training and professional development programmes.

In addition, both parties discussed the establishment of an Industry on Campus (IOC) initiative as a platform to facilitate academic–industry integration through training, research engagement, and applied learning activities.

This collaboration is expected to contribute to strengthening talent development, enhancing industry-relevant competencies, and fostering closer linkages between higher education institutions and industry partners.

It also reflects IPPTN’s continued commitment to advancing higher education through strategic partnerships and knowledge-driven initiatives.

Text & Photo: National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), USM