USM PENANG, 1 July 2026 – The School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), recently welcomed representatives from PETRONAS for an industry engagement visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in geophysics research, talent development, and knowledge exchange.

The PETRONAS delegation from Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) comprised Siti Suzila Mohd Radzi, Nur Azreena A. Ghafar, Puteri Nurlina Mokhtar, Nur Hafizhah Mohamad Ghafar and Azimah Ali.

The discussion session was chaired by the Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Industry-Community Engagement), Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Fairuz Omar. Also participating in the meeting were the Deputy Dean (Academic, Career & International), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Mahadi Halim; the Geophysics Programme Chair, Dr. Nur Azwin Ismail; and academic staff from the Geophysics Programme.

Several potential areas of collaboration were discussed during the meeting, paving the way for a stronger partnership between Geophysics USM and PETRONAS. Among the key initiatives highlighted were:

• Drive activation of Joint through a Joint Collaboration Agreement (JCA) between USM and PETRONAS, particularly in supporting MPM research and studies;
• Knowledge and expertise sharing by the PETRONAS Geoscience Technology Centre (PGTC) physical and digital content from an academic perspective;
• Promote myPROdata platform within the USM community to enhance data utilisation for academic and industry applications;

• Exploration of additional collaborative opportunities, including joint research projects, student internships, industrial training, professional development programmes, technical workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Other initiatives were also proposed to strengthen collaboration between Geophysics USM and PETRONAS. Geophysics USM requested complimentary access for lecturers and students to attend the Asia Petroleum Geoscience Conference and Exhibition (APGCE), providing valuable exposure to the latest developments, technologies, and best practices in the geoscience industry.

The school also expressed interest in participating in the APGCE Student Programme – Nautilus Challenge, a simulation-based competition that allows students to analyse authentic subsurface data and develop integrated field development plans, offering practical industry experience while complementing their academic learning. The discussions reflected a shared commitment by both parties to strengthen industry-academia engagement and to foster innovation, talent development, and impactful research that addresses the evolving needs of the energy industry.

The Geophysics Programme, School of Physics looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with PETRONAS through future research initiatives, academic engagements, and industry-driven initiatives that will benefit both institutions and the broader scientific community.

Text & Photo: Associate Professor Dr. Nordiana Mohd Muztaza, School of Physics, USM