JOHOR BARU: Johor is strengthening its push to develop globally competitive talent following a new academic and research collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and China’s top-ranked Peking University.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the memorandum of understanding reflects growing international confidence in UTM’s academic standing and positions Johor students and researchers for greater exposure on the world stage.
"Peking University is ranked number one in China and 14th globally, making the collaboration a significant milestone for higher education development in Johor.
"This strategic partnership opens up valuable opportunities for local students and researchers to gain access to world-class expertise, facilities and academic networks," he said in a statement.
The memorandum, facilitated through the Johor Talent Development Council, was signed on Jan 19 at UTM Kuala Lumpur between UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim and Peking University executive vice-president Prof Zhang Jin.
Aznan said the collaboration would focus on joint research initiatives, talent development, academic and student mobility, postgraduate supervision as well as the development of high-impact academic programmes aligned with future industry needs.
Through the partnership, UTM would also gain access to Peking University’s advanced research ecosystem, strengthening national and state innovation efforts, particularly in artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, materials science, environmental studies and energy.
He added that the collaboration would further cement UTM’s position as a regional hub for technological innovation and international education diplomacy, while equipping Johor’s talent pool with global-level knowledge, skills and exposure.
