UTP inks deal with Pakistani counterpart
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Iqra University (IU) of Pakistan are set to undertake joint research in data analytics, mental health, surveillance, and signal and image processing.
This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties recently.
The objective is to strengthen both institutions’ research capabilities and build a strong academic reputation through rigorous networking.
Both parties will work on staff attachments, collaborative research, joint research proposals, joint supervision of postgraduate studies and student exchange.
The MoU will include undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in the UTP campus in Seri Iskandar, Perak, UTP vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the university placed great importance on transdisciplinary and collaborative research programmes with other higher-learning institutions to shape a new generation of researchers and academics.
“We are constantly expanding and growing our network and collaborative efforts, knowing that one of the keys for growth is networking with the right partners.
“Our goal is to become an internationally-recognised partner of choice for the industry and a respected scientific community by 2025.
“Signing this MoU is an important step in maintaining a sustainable relationship with higher-learning institutions in Pakistan.
“We hope this collaboration will also pave the way to attract more prospective Pakistani students to study in UTP and Southeast Asian countries,” he said.
UTP and IU are actively engaged in joint research and academic attachments.
Present at the ceremony were UTP deputy vicechancellor (research and innovation) Professor Dr M. Shahir Liew and IU Faculty of Engineering Sciences & Technology dean Professor Dr Kamran Raza.
Besides Iqra University, UTP also collaborates with other Pakistani institutions, such as Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Hamdard University, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, University of Peshawar, National Centre of Excellence Physical Chemistry, Punjab University, and the National Engineering & Scientific Commission (Nescom).
Pakistani students make up the highest enrolment of international students in UTP, with 224 undergraduate and postgraduate students.