USM PENANG, 17 January 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently welcomed a delegation from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, accompanied by four other distinguished members from academic and non-academic backgrounds.

The purpose of this collaborative visit was to bolster connections and elevate strategic cooperation between the two esteemed universities.

Present at the discussion was the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran.

The primary focus of the discussion, centered around the potential adoption of the USM MRI3 model at UMS, tailored to align with their specific strengths in either the oil and gas sector, food security, or agriculture.

The aim was to leverage the successful model established by USM, to enhance and customise it for the unique niche areas that UMS specialises in.

UMS has expressed a keen interest in forging academic collaborations, particularly with the School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP) at USM.

Recognising a demand for expertise in architectural design in Sabah, UMS aims to establish cooperative programmes that cater to this specific niche.

In addition, UMS is exploring opportunities in the field of logistics, in recognising its paramount importance in the current academic landscape, and the university is committed to developing academic initiatives that would address the evolving demands and challenges within the logistics sector.

Taking a forward-thinking approach, UMS is also considering collaborations with semiconductor companies in Sabah. The intention is to explore the potential inclusion of these companies within the MRI3 framework as industrial partners, thereby contributing to the strategic growth and development of both academia and industry in Sabah.

Azlan extended an opportunity to UMS for a collaborative partnership, emphasising that by joining forces, both institutions could initiate efforts with specialised expertise in specific areas.

He said that the collaborative effort between USM and UMS does not only signify a commitment to strengthening academic ties, but it also reflects a proactive stance in addressing the unique needs of the region.

By fostering innovation and collaboration, both universities aim to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and industry in Sabah.

Also present during the visit were UMS Assistant Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network who is also the Director, Centre for Industrial Collaboration and Engagement (CICE), Professor Dr. ChM. Ts. Coswald Stephen Sipaut@Mohd. Nasri; Dean, USM School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi@Suandi; Director of Industry Network, Associate Professor Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin; and principal officers of USM and UMS.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Eliza Yasmin Dahlan (BJIM USM)