The College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics (KPPIM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) embarked on an academic expedition to various UK universities with the mission of fostering research collaboration within the dynamic realm of data analytics. Spearheaded by Prof. Ts. Dr Haryani Haron, the esteemed Assistant Vice Chancellor of KPPIM, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions and exploration at prominent institutions including Birmingham City University, University of West Scotland, and Liverpool John Moores University.
On July 19th, a significant meeting took place at STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University, a center known for technology, creativity, and business development. The meeting with Dr. Adel Aneiba, the Head of the School of Computing and Digital Technology, and Dr. Faisal Saeed, a Senior Lecturer in the Computer and Data Science Department, was remarkably productive, revolving around a spectrum of prospective endeavours. While on July 21st, UiTM delegates were privileged to engage in a high-level discussion with Prof. John Smith, Head of the Nuclear Physics Research Group, and Prof. Naeem Ramzam, Professor of Computing Engineering at the University of West Scotland. Prof. Naeem Ramzam provided a succinct yet captivating overview of their MSc. Advanced Computing program, which notably resonates with UiTM’s MSc. Data Science program.
On July 24th, a collaborative research meeting was held at the held at Liverpool John Moores University, bringing together esteemed academics including Prof. Dhiya Al-Jumeily (Professor of Artificial Intelligence), Dr. Sulaf Assi (Reader in Forensic Intelligent Data Analytics), and Dr. Mathew Harper (Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security). The meeting proved to be a resounding success where delegates from both UiTM and Liverpool John Moores University concisely outlined their respective research pursuits. The discourse culminated in the formulation of future plans, encompassing a UiTM-Liverpool John Moores University community project program (CSR), initiatives for staff and student mobility, a captivating dialogue on the nexus of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Islam, a collaborative venture involving UiTM-Liverpool John Moores University-Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM), and an engaging open discussion. Furthermore, avenues for staff engagement were explored, including roles such as external examiner, visiting Professor, and visiting lecturer during the Summer break.
Overall, the collaborative research expedition between UiTM and the three distinguished academic institutions in the UK was a resounding success, notably marked by a profound exchange of insights and the forging of potential future collaborations. The researchers actively participated in enriching dialogues, yielding promising prospects spanning staff and student mobility, co-authorship opportunities, global lectures, and the pursuit of grant funding applications.
The visitβs success highlights the value of international collaborations in boosting knowledge exchange and research excellence. It also showcases UiTMβs commitment to fostering their efforts to partner with leading institutions worldwide as part of an effort to develop UiTMβs Globally Renowned University (GRU2025). The visit also fosters strategic alliances aligning with SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, and the exchanges of best practices and digital transformation which promotes the objectives of SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.