UMPSA advances bilateral ties with Universitas Islam Riau

PEKAN, 21 February 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has officially strengthened its partnership with Universitas Islam Riau (UIR) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.

The MoU exchange ceremony was held during an official visit by the UIR delegation to UMPSA’s Pekan. 
The ceremony was formalised by Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias and Vice-Rector for Students, Alumni & Collaboration at UIR, Associate Professor Dr. Admiral.

Also in attendance were senior leadership and representatives from both universities, demonstrating their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Through this partnership, UMPSA and UIR aim to broaden the scope of student and staff mobility programmes, initiate joint research projects, and deepen industry engagement. 

In addition, the collaboration will explore opportunities for remote supervision of postgraduate research, particularly for UIR academic staff. 

The agreement also opens pathways for potential dual-degree programmes, expanded postgraduate study opportunities, and collaborative research supported by matching grants, with a particular focus on the field of Chemical Engineering.

In her remarks, Professor Dr Yatimah emphasised the importance of the partnership in driving global engagement and fostering innovation-led education. 

“This MoU reflects our collective vision to progress beyond conventional mobility programmes towards impactful research collaborations, academic exchanges, and high-value initiatives that will deliver lasting benefits to both institutions and our students,” she said.

The UMPSA delegation was led by Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, accompanied by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Dean, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Ts. Dr Che Ku Mohammad Faizal Che Ku Yahya, Dean, Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Associate Professor Ir. Dr Fadzil Mat Yahaya,  Dean, Centre for Human Sciences, Dr Mohamad Hilmi Mat Said,  Director, Centre for International Relations, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari, and Head of Programme, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology – Petroleum), Ts. Dr Norasyikin Ismail.

Representing UIR were Vice-Rector, Students, Alumni & Collaboration), Associate Professor Dr Admiral, Head of International Office and Partnership, Associate Professor Dr Rendi Prayuda, Vice-Director, Postgraduate Programme, Associate Professor Dr Rahyunir Rauf,  Head of Department, Master of Management), Dr Raja Ria Yusnita, Head of Division, International Collaboration), Agung Wicaksono and Head of Foundation, Zulfikar Ahmad. 
Building on the success of previous short-term mobility programmes, this MoU represents a timely progression towards establishing a more comprehensive and sustainable partnership. 

Both institutions are optimistic that this collaboration will unlock greater opportunities for academic excellence, impactful research, and the development of future-ready graduates equipped to meet industry needs and contribute to societal advancement.

With the formalisation of this partnership, UMPSA and UIR are optimistic to advancing strategic international collaborations that generate meaningful impact and deliver long-term value for their academic communities.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Office of The Vice-Chancellor