Iwate University Global Fellow Award recognition for UMP

The collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Iwate University (IU) Japan since 2009 via research, teaching and learning, cultural exchange and mobility programmes involving students and staff has benefited both sides.
 
To strengthen the bilateral relations of both institutions, IU has granted the Iwate University Global Fellow award to the late Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Mohd Yusoff, from the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology (FIST), who passed away on 24 January 2020. 

During her service at the university, she was trusted as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Affairs and Quality) and several management positions as well as contributed to the development of research and innovation especially in the field of chemical and bioprocess engineering.
 
The ceremony witnessed the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff received the award from the President of IU, Akira Iwabuchi, in conjunction with the official visit of IU delegates on 4 February 2020. 
 
According to Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar, this recognition is meaningful for the university, and the entire university community was overwhelmed with the passing of the late Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah who contributed a lot to the development of research in this university.
 
“UMP as one of the technical universities in Malaysia is delighted with the recognition that contributes to the excellence in academics, research and innovation, as well as social relation,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, Akira Iwabuchi said that this award was granted as the recognition to the staff who have contributed to teaching and learning as well as being active in research at the international level. 

“This award should be presented at the Iwate University’s 70th Anniversary celebration in November 2019, but Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah was unavailable due to health problems,” he said. 

He added that Professor Dato’ Dr. Mashitah is the 9th of 10 recipients ever awarded by IU.

Besides, he expects more opportunities for collaboration in the future from the close relationship between UMP and UI. The close relationship is portrayed from the joint organisation of Asian Education and Research Consortium on Tool, Die & Mold Technology (2013) that involved UMP, Iwate University (Japan), Hanbat National University (South Korea) and Dalian University of Technology (China) to share expertise in the engineering field. 
 
Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd. Rosli Hainin and the Director of Centre for International Relations, Academic & International Affairs Department, Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd. Azhari.  
 
Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, Faculty Of Chemical And Process Engineering Technology