USM, XMUT STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC TIES THROUGH AI RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE COLLABORATION

NIBONG TEBAL, 5 November 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is strengthening its international academic ties with Xiamen University of Technology (XMUT), China, through an engagement programme led by its School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SEEE), focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), research collaboration and postgraduate development.

The programme began with welcoming remarks by Dean of SEEE, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi @ Suandi, who highlighted the role of international partnerships in enhancing academic excellence, expanding research capabilities and encouraging global knowledge exchange.

XMUT Vice-President Professor Zen Huanqing, in his address, emphasised the importance of institutional collaboration in driving research innovation and creating opportunities that benefit both universities.

A key highlight was the official launch of the AI Laboratory, marking a significant step towards expanding research capabilities and technological innovation through cooperation between the two institutions.

The programme also featured a knowledge-sharing session by Associate Dean of XMUT's College of Engineering, Professor Dr. Jian Qing Zhu, entitled “Reliable Visual Recognition in Complex Scenarios: Bias Mitigation, Efficient Computing, and Cross-Modal Alignment”.

The session explored current developments in AI, particularly challenges in visual recognition, bias mitigation, computational efficiency and cross-modal alignment. It also provided an opportunity for researchers from both universities to exchange knowledge and explore potential areas of collaboration.

Another key component was the research student collaboration initiative, which aims to strengthen postgraduate research through joint supervision and academic cooperation between USM and XMUT.

The initiative was further formalised through the presentation of a Letter of Appointment as XMUT Co-Supervisor to Professor Zen Huanqing, recognising his role in supporting postgraduate research supervision and strengthening academic links between the two universities.

The engagement reflects the shared commitment of USM and XMUT to building a sustainable academic partnership through research collaboration, knowledge exchange and postgraduate development.

Both universities aim to expand their international research networks, advance technological innovation and create more opportunities for academic and research development through joint initiatives and collaborative facilities.

The partnership also supports USM's continued efforts to strengthen its international academic presence and contribute to the advancement of higher education, research and innovation.

Text and Photo: Courtesy of School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and MPRC