SHAH ALAM, 27 July 2026 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Namangan State Technical University (NamSTU), Uzbekistan, formalised a strategic international partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UiTM Global, Shah Alam. Organised by the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, the signing ceremony marked an important milestone in strengthening academic, research and innovation cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
The UiTM delegation included Professor Datin Dr Norazida Mohamed, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (International); Associate Professor Dr Badrul bin Isa, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development; Associate Professor Dr Nur Hisham Ibrahim, Rector of UiTM Perak Branch; members of the UiTM Perak Executive Management; and representatives from the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The NamSTU delegation was led by its Rector, Professor Dr Oybek Ergashev, and included Dr Ahror Tursunov, Head of Global Partnerships, and three other professors from the university.
During the meeting, both universities explored opportunities to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, green technologies, sustainable engineering and scientific research. The strategic initiatives proposed included the establishment of a joint laboratory for artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, the creation of a joint research centre for green technology and sustainable engineering, as well as the implementation of dual PhD and joint academic supervision programmes.
The three-year MoU establishes a formal framework for both universities to implement these initiatives and further develop cooperation in research, academic programmes, knowledge exchange, innovation and postgraduate education. The partnership is expected to strengthen the research capabilities of both institutions, expand their international academic networks and accelerate the integration of advanced technologies into education and industry. It will also create valuable opportunities for young researchers and doctoral students from Malaysia and Uzbekistan to participate in collaborative research, academic mobility and knowledge-sharing programmes. Through this collaboration, UiTM and NamSTU reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing innovation, sustainable development and impactful international higher education partnerships.