Photo caption: Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim and Professor Lucy Johnston sign a commemorative plaque to mark the launch of the UTM-UC Joint Satellite Laboratory.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its research agenda through a strategic collaboration with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), marked by the launch of a Joint Satellite Laboratory, a collaborative platform that brings together the expertise of both institutions to address global challenges.
The launch ceremony, held at UTM Johor Bahru, signified a major milestone in the partnership, particularly in advancing research, innovation and talent development at the international level. The initiative focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, extended reality (XR) and advanced computing.
This collaboration builds on an existing relationship formalised through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from 2025 to 2030, further strengthening international research ties between the two universities.
The initiative combines complementary expertise to drive high-impact research in key strategic areas, with the aim of contributing to global knowledge development while delivering practical solutions to complex societal challenges.
In his welcoming remarks, UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim expressed gratitude and pride over the achievement.
“With the launch of this lab, I am confident that our capacity to produce innovative, global solutions will be vastly expanded. It will pave the way for dynamic research and development (R&D) in digital innovation, immersive technologies, and artificial intelligence, while facilitating a seamless transfer of knowledge and technology between our universities.”
He also emphasised that the synergy between international academic institutions, industry partners and government agencies is a key driver in producing globally competitive innovative solutions.
UC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Lucy Johnston said developing globally connected talent is at the heart of this partnership.
“Through collaboration between UC and UTM, our students and researchers gain the skills, experience, and international perspective needed to contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.”
The laboratory also aims to support the development of globally competitive graduates and researchers. In line with future workforce demands, the collaboration will facilitate joint supervision, mobility programmes and access to international research ecosystems.
The event featured an interactive laboratory tour showcasing AI and immersive technologies, along with engagement sessions connecting local researchers with global academic leadership. The satellite laboratory is expected to accelerate technology transfer and support start-up incubation through the international industry networks of both universities.
Senior leaders and representatives from UTM and UC were also present.
Article shared and edited with permission from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. View the original here.
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