UTB signs MoU with Universiti Sains Malaysia strengthening its international partnerships
The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) has strengthened its international academic network through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), one of Malaysia’s leading universities and a globally recognised institution renowned for its excellence in higher education and research.
The signing ceremony took place at USM’s main campus in Penang, Malaysia. The agreement was signed on behalf of UTB by Dr Haitham Alqahtani, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and on behalf of USM by Professor Habibah A. Wahab, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation. The ceremony was attended by Professor Husham Ahmed, Director of the Research Council at UTB, and Professor Selvakumar Manickam, Director of the Cybersecurity Research Centre at USM.
The MoU marks an important step in advancing collaboration between the two institutions, creating new opportunities in teaching, research, innovation, and student development.
A Shared Vision for Academic Excellence and Innovation
Commenting on the partnership, Dr Hasan Almulla, President of UTB, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the University’s commitment to connecting with leading international centres of knowledge and innovation. He noted that the shared focus on emerging and future-oriented fields, including artificial intelligence, automation, digital systems, and cybersecurity, will contribute to enhancing the capabilities of students and researchers while equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Vice-Chancellor of USM, welcomed the collaboration and expressed his pride in partnering with UTB. He highlighted that the agreement opens new avenues for academic and research exchange, supports innovation initiatives, and strengthens opportunities for collaboration between faculty members, researchers, and students. He further emphasised USM’s commitment to expanding its international network through strategic partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, develop student capabilities, and generate impactful research that addresses technological and societal challenges.
Expanding Opportunities for Students and Faculty
The partnership provides a framework for cooperation across a wide range of academic and research activities. Both universities will explore the development of joint academic programmes and collaborate on research and development initiatives, particularly in cybersecurity and digital technologies.
The agreement also includes opportunities for joint workshops, specialised training programmes, and academic staff exchanges aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.
Students will benefit from enhanced international engagement through delegation exchanges, educational visits, joint conferences, and student competitions designed to strengthen practical skills, broaden global perspectives, and enrich academic learning experiences.
Through these initiatives, UTB and USM aim to foster a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, research excellence, and cross-cultural learning.
Strengthening Research and Academic Collaboration
Dr Haitham Alqahtani, Vice President for Academic Affairs at UTB, highlighted the University’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that create lasting value for students, faculty members, and the wider community. He noted that the collaboration with USM, a university recognised for its global reputation and research excellence, will help enrich the educational experience at UTB by bringing international expertise into the classroom and creating opportunities for academic engagement across borders. He also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by USM and reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to translating the agreement into impactful initiatives and collaborative projects.
Professor Husham Ahmed, Director of the Research Council at UTB, emphasised the significance of the partnership in advancing collaborative research, particularly through engagement with the USM Cybersecurity Research Centre. He explained that discussions during the visit identified several promising opportunities for joint research projects, postgraduate supervision, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. He added that both institutions are committed to developing high-quality research proposals and transforming these opportunities into meaningful scientific outputs that benefit industry, society, and the broader research community.
Supporting Bahrain’s Knowledge Economy Through Global Partnerships
The signing of this MoU forms part of UTB’s ongoing efforts to expand its international partnerships and strengthen its teaching and research capabilities through collaboration with leading universities around the world.
The partnership aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which places education, scientific research, and innovation at the forefront of building a competitive knowledge-based economy. By connecting students and researchers with internationally recognised institutions, UTB continues to contribute to the development of highly skilled talent and the advancement of research and innovation in the Kingdom.
UTB also acknowledges the continued support of the Higher Education Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain, whose efforts to enhance the quality of higher education and encourage international academic collaboration have helped create an environment in which strategic partnerships such as this can flourish, further reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for higher education, research, and innovation.
Learn more about UTB’s academic programmes, research initiatives, and international collaborations by visiting the UTB website.
