USM PENANG, 28 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) reaffirmed its commitment to global partnerships during the recent official visit of the Ambassador of France to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Marc Abensour, and his delegation.

The programme commenced with a welcoming address by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, followed by a comprehensive presentation on USM’s research strengths and its collaboration with French institutions.

His Excellency Mr. Marc Abensour then delivered his remarks, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral academic and research partnerships.

Habibah stressed the importance of international collaboration, stating: “Collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Our partnership with French institutions has already produced remarkable outcomes in research, innovation, and talent development.”

She added: “USM currently maintains 17 active agreements with French institutions, including 15 Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) and 2 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). These collaborations have enabled joint research, PhD co-tutelle programmes, publications, colloquia, workshops, and academic exchanges.”

Highlighting the long-standing partnership with Université de Lorraine, she remarked: “Since 1999, our collaboration with Université de Lorraine has been particularly strong, producing 13 PhD co-tutelle graduates, more than 135 joint publications, 15 joint research grants, 7 colloquia, and over 40 mobility exchanges. This is a testament to the depth and sustainability of our academic ties.”

Abensour was accompanied by a distinguished delegation including Political Counsellor, Benoît Hiberty; Economic Counsellor, Michel Ciwinsky; Counsellor for Cultural Affairs and Cooperation, Thierry d’Anna; and Attaché for the French Language and Education, Dominique Husken-Ulbrich.

Besides Habibah, the USM delegation included Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran; Director of the Centre for Innovation and Consultation (CIC) and Coordinator of the USM–Université de Lorraine Centre, Professor Dr. Mohd Hazwan Hussin; along with other USM delegates.

A roundtable discussion was also held, further reinforcing both parties’ commitment to future strategic collaborations.

Among the key outcomes were continued support for the Hubert Curien Franco-Malaysian Partnership (PHC Hibiscus), subject to support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and the anticipation of forthcoming agreements between Malaysia and France.

Both sides agreed to prioritise three main areas of collaboration: rare earth elements research (REE), semiconductor technologies, and marine ecosystem studies.

Additional discussions included support from the French Embassy for PhD co-tutelle funding, the proposal to establish a Malaysia–France Consortium of Higher Education, and the development of internship opportunities for USM students in French companies in France for up to six months.

USM has also engaged in industry collaborations with leading French companies such as ST Microelectronics and Stellantis.

Looking ahead, expertise from key USM entities, including the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SEEE), School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering (SMMRE), and the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), will play a central role in advancing these initiatives.

This visit marks another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between USM and French institutions, paving the way for deeper collaboration in research, innovation, and talent development.

Text: Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Nurul Azmi Mohamad Taib/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa