FUKUOKA,  18 November  2023 | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Kyushu University (KU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering bilateral cooperation in the fields of academia, research, student mobility, and staff collaboration at the international level.

The MoU for both collaborations was signed by UMK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli Che Razak, and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Prof. Dr. Miki Nakao, in the city of Fukuoka, Japan.

The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah, and the Director of the International Office of Kyushu University, Prof. Dr. Igura Noriyuki.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli stated that this collaboration strengthens the longstanding relationship between UMK and KU, which began in 2018 involving researchers from both universities.

He mentioned that the collaboration has resulted in at least seven high-impact journal articles, including resource sharing involving sample exchange and analytical services.

"In this new collaboration, both universities are committed to continuing their cooperation in research, student exchange, and exploring new areas of collaboration, including resource sharing such as facilities, materials, and research funds.

"We, at UMK are optimistic about expanding broader cooperation between the two universities, not limited only to research but also involving student exchange, student and staff mobility, and various other areas of collaboration," he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ts.Dr. Arham mentioned that KU is among the universities ranked at the top in the list of the best universities in Japan.

He highlighted that KU has an excellent reputation globally, providing advantages to UMK researchers in terms of access to facilities, infrastructure, and technology at KU.

"Through this collaboration, we can enhance the reputation and visibility of UMK researchers through publications in high-impact journals.

During this working visit, a short seminar on UMK and forestry, the forestry industry, and wood in Malaysia was also held, attended by professors, researchers, and students from KU," he added.

Also present were the Deputy Dean of FBKT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarizam Mamat, and Dr. Andi Hermawan, who are among the researchers extensively involved in collaboration between researchers at KU, especially in the field of wood science and technology.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarizam stated that discussions for collaboration with Osaka University have been held to explore new areas of cooperation in additive manufacturing.

This discussion was attended by the Vice President of Osaka University, Prof. Dr. Manabu Tanaka, and Prof. Dr. Katsuyoshi Kondoh, along with Prof. Ts. Dr. Arham.

He mentioned that this collaboration focuses on research funding through matching grants and the introduction of some funds provided by Osaka University.

"The Matching Grant and funds offered can be utilized by UMK researchers to finance research at UMK and the Joining and Welding Research Institute (JWRI) at Osaka University.

“This is the result of collaboration and research activities since 2012, where a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between UMK and JWRI in December 2019.

"This MoA is a continuation of the research collaboration activities that are still ongoing, and it is hoped to be a starting point for broader collaboration involving more researchers from UMK in the future," he said.