Collaboration UMPSA, UMK, and MIGHT forge strategic alliance to advance Malaysia’s Rare Earth Industry

CYBERJAYA, 16 July 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), and the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing research, innovation, and commercialisation in the field of rare earth elements (REE).

The partnership was cemented through the changing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at MIGHT’s headquarters in Cyberjaya. 

The MoU was signed by the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias; the Vice-Chancellor of UMK, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah; and the President and Chief Executive Officer of MIGHT, Ts. Rushdi Abdul Rahim.

According to Professor Dr. Yatimah, the signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in uniting the strengths of each institution to drive the sustainable and responsible development of REE technology and research in Malaysia.

She emphasised that the collaboration brings together UMPSA’s technical capabilities, UMK’s entrepreneurial expertise, and MIGHT’s strategic leadership, forming a comprehensive ecosystem to support the nation’s aspirations in advanced materials development.

She added that this agreement is not merely a ceremonial gesture, but a reflection of the shared commitment and vision to lead the REE industry ethically and sustainably.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also highlighted the pivotal role of UMPSA’s Centre for Sustainability of Mineral and Resource Recovery Technology (SMaRRT), which has been actively involved in REE research since 2013. 

With this new partnership, SMaRRT is now ready to expand its impact through collaboration with strategic partners such as MIGHT and UMK.

The MoU outlines several key pillars of cooperation. 

These include the implementation of joint research projects with the potential to produce intellectual property and commercial products; access to national research funding, particularly through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI); sharing of technical expertise; the development of training programmes; joint use of research facilities; and the organisation of seminars, workshops, and conferences to promote ongoing knowledge sharing.

Meanwhile, Ts. Rushdi expressed confidence in Malaysia’s capacity to emerge as a global leader in the responsible development of rare earth elements.

He stated that collaboration among academia, industry, and government is essential for advancing Malaysia’s technological capabilities and ensuring the sustainability of its high-impact industries.

This collaboration also strengthens Malaysia’s role in the implementation of the National Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap 2021–2030. UMPSA’s active involvement is reflected through the appointment of the Director of SMaRRT as a member of the National Advanced Materials Consortium since 2024.

The signing ceremony was also attended by UMPSA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, along with senior representatives from UMK and MIGHT.

This strategic collaboration is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of a high-technology economy. 

It also ensures that the management of Malaysia’s natural resources is conducted with full integrity and responsibility, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the nation.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre For Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)