Kota Malang, 21 November 2025 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Pulau Pinang continues to enhance its regional academic presence and research collaboration through active participation in a programme hosted by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Indonesia, held from 12 to 15 November 2025. Fully organised and sponsored by FMIPA UM, the event brought together academic experts to foster collaboration in data science, curriculum development, and research capacity building.
UiTM was represented by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Samsul Setumin, a senior researcher from the Machine Learning Research Group (MLRG), who was invited to serve as a speaker, guest co-lecturer, and academic advisor throughout the four-day programme. His participation marks another key milestone in UiTM’s efforts to strengthen its international academic network.
One of the highlights of the programme was the workshop titled “Introduction to Data Science”, conducted by Dr. Samsul. The session attracted approximately 100 participants, comprising UM academic staff and students from the data science, computer science and applied mathematics disciplines. Over the course of three hours, Dr. Samsul provided a comprehensive overview of fundamental data science principles, including the data science lifecycle, analytical workflow design, and the use of machine learning techniques for predictive modelling. The workshop also featured hands-on demonstrations and interactive problem‑solving activities designed to expose participants to real-world applications of data science.
In addition to the workshop, Dr. Samsul participated as a guest co-lecturer in several undergraduate and postgraduate classes, sharing insights on emerging technologies, machine learning ethics, and industry‑driven approaches to curriculum development. Discussions between UiTM and UM academic leaders focused on identifying potential areas for joint research, student mobility, and the co‑development of learning modules aligned with global digital competency standards.
FMIPA UM expressed appreciation for UiTM’s involvement, noting that the engagement significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in STEM fields. UM also acknowledged the value of UiTM’s expertise in advancing Malaysia–Indonesia academic collaboration, particularly in niche areas such as machine learning and applied data science.
The participation of UiTM Penang in this international event underscores the university’s commitment to promoting regional academic excellence, building strategic international partnerships, and fostering impactful knowledge exchange. Moving forward, UiTM aims to expand collaborative programmes of this nature to support innovation, research excellence, and global employability among its students and researchers.