Associate Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrul Ismail, Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology

UMT and Indonesia’s Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (UDINUS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step in fostering academic and research cooperation between the two universities.

The agreement paves the way for innovative projects and cross-border educational experiences, reflecting the commitment of both universities to global academic excellence.

Through the agreement, both universities aim to enhance collaboration in health sciences, student and staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building programmes.

The signing ceremony took place at UMT and was attended by administrative leaders from both universities, including UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim and UDINAS’s Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Enny Rachmani.

Prof. Enny expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This MoU opens new doors for both our institutions to work together in advancing health sciences education and research,” she said. “We look forward to fruitful partnerships that will benefit our students, faculty, and the broader academic community.”

Also present was UMT’s Associate Professor Ts. Dr Shahrul Ismail, who played a crucial role in facilitating discussions and aligning the goals of both institutions prior to the MoU signing.

As part of the MoU, UMT provides opportunities for UDINUS academic staff to pursue their PhD studies at the university, particularly in the fields of health sciences, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology. This initiative aims to strengthen research collaborations and enhance the academic qualifications of UDINUS’s faculty members.

Key benefits of this PhD programme include:

• Joint supervision from both UMT and UDINUS faculty members to ensure knowledge transfer and research excellence.
• Scholarship and funding support for selected candidates based on merit and research proposals.
• Access to UMT’s state-of-the-art research facilities in environmental sciences, marine biotechnology, and health sciences.
• Opportunities for collaborative research leading to high-impact publications in international journals.

Following the signing ceremony, a workshop was held that focused on sustainable and affordable water treatment using chitosan based on low-cost adsorbent from green mussel.

Before the official MoU signing, both institutions had engaged in several activities to establish a strong foundation for collaboration. These include:

• Academic discussions and scientific article writing workshops: Faculty members from both universities participated in knowledge-sharing sessions focused on health sciences, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Research collaboration meetings: Representatives discussed potential joint research projects, funding opportunities, and exchange programs for students and lecturers.
• Campus and lab visits: UDINUS delegates toured UMT’s research facilities, including laboratories and innovation hubs, to explore possible areas of cooperation.
• Student engagement sessions: Students from both universities interacted through international summer school to share learning experiences and discuss future challenges and research opportunities.