On January 14, 2024, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from Sohar University, Oman. The delegation was led by Dr. Hamdan Sulaiman Al Fazari, the Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Nur Naha Abu Mansor, the Dean of the Faculty of Business, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Hamidon Wan Badaruzzaman, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The one-day visit comprised a courtesy meeting with Prof. Dr. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi bin Ismail, the Vice-Chancellor of UTM, and a strategic session chaired by Prof. Dr. Rosli bin Illas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), along with all Chairs of UTM’s Research Alliances. This meeting resulted in an agreement to establish research collaborations between both universities in various areas, including chemical engineering, renewable energy, and information technology. Both institutions also anticipate collaborative efforts in matching grant programs, the establishment of satellite labs, and the facilitation of student and staff exchange programs in the near future.

As a current record, UTM hosts 52 Omani full-time students, with one undergraduate student, 10 pursuing Master’s degrees, and the remainder enrolled in Ph.D. programs.

Furthermore, the delegates visited one of UTM’s Higher Institution Centers of Excellence (HiCoE), the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), and the 21st Century Learning Classroom at the Faculty of Computing, UTM. The FC Active Learning Classroom, a collaborative project between UTM and industry partners, offers state-of-the-art technology facilities tailored to digital and hybrid teaching and learning experiences.

The delegates also toured MeliPark UTM-ANGKASA, a social enterprise initiative by UTM Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS) in collaboration with Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA). This initiative serves as an incubator and research center aimed at benefiting marginalized groups, particularly the Bottom-40 (B40) community in Malaysia, through innovative bee farming using the Bee Modular Box technology. Engineered with high biosecurity standards, this technology allows for direct colony monitoring, predator-free environments, and significantly enhanced honey production. The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of the B40 community while promoting sustainable rural development, environmental conservation, and advancements in beekeeping research and innovation.

UTM looks forward to furthering strategic collaboration with Sohar University. With the expertise of Prof. Dr. Nur Naha Abu Bakar, the former Dean of Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS), UTM, this collaboration promises to bridge both universities in expanding academic and research partnerships with international institutions, particularly in Oman.

Prepared by:

Ahmad Hilman bin Borhan

Norhaiza Daud

Dr. Mohd Khairuddin Ramliy

Source: UTM NewsHub