USM AND NSTU UZBEKISTAN FORGE ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH COLLABORATION IN ENGINEERING

NIBONG TEBAL, 24 June – The School of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Namangan State Technical University (NSTU) of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The MoU, which aims to strengthen the two institutions' academic, research and higher education ties, was formalised by the Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering USM, Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Aziz Saad, and his counterpart, Vice-Rector (International Cooperation) NSTU, Professor Dr. Anvar Maxkamov, a tribology expert.

According to Dr. Abdullah, both universities have agreed to implement a series of strategic initiatives under this agreement, including student and staff exchanges, joint academic programmes, and collaborative research projects, as well as workshops and technical training sessions.

“A key focus of the collaboration is joint research in the field of surface tribology, aligning with Professor Anvar’s expertise and USM’s research strengths,” he said.

He added that the partnership is expected to result in high-impact publications, enhancing the global visibility of both institutions in the field of mechanical engineering.

He also mentioned that the planned international student exchange programme will offer students from both institutions the opportunity to experience cross-cultural learning, strengthen their soft skills and build global academic networks.

“This initiative is in line with USM’s internationalisation agenda and supports Malaysia’s broader goal of advancing the global standing of its higher education institutions,” said Abdullah.

Also present during the signing was the Director of Engineering Campus USM, Professor Ir. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha.

Text: Courtesy of the School of Mechanical Engineering/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman