UMPSA strengthens international collaboration with CQUniversity Australia in dual PhD and Master’s programmes

PEKAN, 27 March 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) formalised a strategic collaboration with Central Queensland University (CQUniversity), Australia, through the exchange and signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding and memorandum of agreement, which was recently held at Dewan Bankuet, Tun Abdul Razak Chancellery, UMPSA Pekan.

Present at the ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, together with the Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity, Professor Nick Klomp, as well as delegations from both institutions.

Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman.

According to Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah, this collaboration marks an important step in strengthening UMPSA’s international relations, particularly in the fields of Engineering, Technology, and advanced TVET at the global level.

“This collaboration focuses on the development of joint academic programmes such as dual PhD and Master’s programmes, student and staff mobility, as well as collaborative research supported through matching grants.

“UMPSA will also send non-academic staff to participate in mobility programmes at CQUniversity as part of efforts to strengthen professional development and international exposure among the university’s support workforce.

“UMPSA is currently actively developing expertise in the field of aerospace, including drone technology, unmanned systems, and emerging aviation technologies, which hold potential to be explored jointly with CQUniversity,” she said.

She further added that among the initiatives currently being developed is a remote pilot training programme, which offers certification recognised at both local and international levels through the UMPSA Centre for Advanced Mobility and Aerospace.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah also emphasised that the true value of this collaboration lies not merely in the signed documents, but in the implementation and long-term impact that will be achieved together.

This collaboration is expected to open up more strategic opportunities in the areas of education, research, and talent development, while further strengthening the position of both institutions on the international stage.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press