UMPSA-MBJB synergy leads sustainable technology development through research and innovation

JOHOR BAHRU, 5 June 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand collaboration in research and innovation involving the development of sustainable technologies.

The ceremony saw Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Department of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Mohd Hasbi Ab Rahim, representing UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, sign the MoU with the Mayor of Johor Bahru, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mohd Haffiz Haji Ahmad, at Menara MBJB, Johor Bahru.

According to Professor Dr. Mohd Hasbi, the initial phase of the strategic collaboration currently involves a feasibility study on the installation of integrated electric vehicle (EV) chargers on selected streetlight poles at parking areas under MBJB’s administration.

“This facility will enable EV owners to charge their vehicles with easier access and a wider choice of locations within the Johor Bahru district under the administration of MBJB as the Local Authority (PBT).

“This strategic collaboration reflects UMPSA’s commitment to continue leading the research, innovation, and talent development agenda in sustainable mobility,” he said.

Also present was the General Manager of the Department of Research and Innovation (JPI), Hazmin Aris.

The next phase will involve strategic collaboration to assess the health of trees under MBJB’s administration using research and innovation developed by UMPSA researchers, with drones deployed to scan the trees.

He said the initiative would enable the health and strength of tree branches to be monitored more easily and quickly compared with conventional methods.

Also discussed for implementation in a subsequent phase of the strategic collaboration was the use of prebiotic fertiliser developed through UMPSA research and innovation, which has been recognised and used in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah expressed her appreciation for the commitment of strategic partner MBJB following the signing of the MoU.

She said UMPSA is not only part of the transformation of the country’s green infrastructure but also serves as a catalyst in developing highly skilled talent capable of contributing to Malaysia’s electrification and sustainability agenda.

She believes that the initiative will create significant opportunities for high-impact research that fully complies with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, while setting a new national benchmark for green infrastructure.

The signing and exchange of the MoU documents between UMPSA and MBJB took place immediately after the conclusion of the MBJB Full Council Meeting, which council members attended.

By: Hazmin Aris, Department of Research and Innovation
Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press