UMPSA deepens global partnerships through official visit to Manchester Metropolitan University and Staff Training Programme

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM, 27 October 2025 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continued to strengthen its global partnerships through an official visit to Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met), led by Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias.

The visit centred on strategic discussions in research, academic collaboration, and capacity development, in line with UMPSA’s aspiration to emerge as a globally recognised technical university by 2050 and the ASEAN Advanced TVET Hub by 2030.

The delegation included Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir from UMPSA Global, together with three UMPSA staff who underwent a one-week staff training programme at Manchester Met, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Management, Dr. Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad,  Senior Engineer, Centre for Property Development and Management, Ir. Mohd Azreen Yaacob  and Director, Centre for Digital Technology, Ts. Mohd Rashid Abu Bakar. 

This staff training programme is one of UMPSA’s latest initiatives to support Transformation Agenda 1 of the UMPSA Vice-Chancellor’s 2025 Address, which emphasises strengthening and advancing individual potential. 

The programme aims to enhance staff capabilities through international exposure, global networking, and capacity-building activities aligned with UMPSA’s broader transformation agenda.

The UMPSA delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Mark Sterling, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, accompanied by Dr. Eric Lou, Faculty International Lead, and Gemma Steward, International Relations Manager.

Discussions began with detailed briefings on potential collaborations in student and staff mobility, dual PhD programmes, and future high-impact initiatives, including the establishment of a joint laboratory and interdisciplinary research projects. 

Manager of International Exchange Programmes, Alastair Melville also shared Manchester Met’s strategies for strengthening global collaborations and academic mobility.

The visit continued with a tour of PrintCity, a leading centre for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, led by Project Manager at PrintCity, Dr. Alan Dempsey.

The session offered valuable insights into advanced technologies in design, engineering, and smart manufacturing, providing an enriching experience for the UMPSA delegation.

In her remarks, Professor Dr. Yatimah highlighted that strategic collaborations with Manchester Met would not only strengthen research and capacity development,but also open more opportunities for meaningful knowledge exchange.

“This collaboration is more than building an academic bridge between Malaysia and the United Kingdom. 

“It nurtures an educational ecosystem grounded in innovation, values, and inclusivity. 

“UMPSA is committed to accelerating global engagement that benefits students, researchers, and industry communities,” she said.

She also emphasised UMPSA’s commitment to ensuring that all international collaborations contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the university’s digital transformation agenda.

UMPSA’s partnership with Manchester Met has continued to expand. Previously, two UMPSA students participated in the Manchester Met Summer School, gaining early exposure to global academic culture and international learning environments.

Both universities are also scheduled to co-present a joint session at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference in Hong Kong, focusing on strategies to strengthen global networks and deepen East-West collaborations in higher education.

The visit concluded with a planning session outlining the key activities carried out during the UMPSA staff training week, including capacity-building workshops, sustainability-focused research engagements, and smart campus transformation initiatives. 

Both universities declared their commitment to intensifying academic, research, and industry partnerships between Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

This official visit marks UMPSA’s continued dedication to elevating its global presence, strengthening strategic synergies, and nurturing graduates and academics who are holistic, innovative, and globally competitive.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for Global Engagement