The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies (IR & HS), led by Dr Sudeshna Saha, Assistant Director and Sandeep Samala, Deputy Manager, embarked on a fruitful academic expedition tour to Kuala Lumpur from September 30 to October 3, 2024. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration between SRM University-AP and several prestigious Malaysian institutions.
The primary objectives of the expedition were to explore collaborative opportunities, identify potential research partnerships, and promote matching grants that would mutually benefit the participating institutions.
During the expedition, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several prominent Malaysian universities. Among them were the University of Malaya (#60 in QS World University Rankings 2025), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (#181), Sunway University (#539), and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (#800-#850). Additionally, collaborations were established with Malaysia University of Science and Technology (#88 in Asian University Rankings-Southeastern Asia 2024), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (#139), University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering, and UNITAR International University.
The primary objectives of the visit were multi-faceted:
1. Exploring Collaborative Opportunities: The expedition aimed to identify and establish potential research collaborations between SRM University-AP and Malaysian institutions, fostering an environment conducive to joint academic exploration.
2. Promoting Matching Grants: The delegation sought to encourage initiatives such as matching grants that mutually benefit both institutions, enhancing research capabilities and funding opportunities.
3. Co-hosting Conferences: Plans were established to organise joint conferences, seminars, or workshops that facilitate the sharing of research findings and help build a robust academic network.
4. Collaborating on Scientific Projects: The institutions discussed initiating and supporting collaborative scientific research projects reflecting their combined strengths.
5. Focused Research Areas: Identifying key research areas for collaboration was paramount, with a commitment to connect with relevant Points of Contact (PIC) at the University of Malaya.
6. Joint Publications: The MoUs aim to foster partnerships for co-authored publications, thereby benefiting both institutions’ academic output.
7. Postgraduate Supervision: The institutions are committed to enhancing academic development by collaborating in the joint supervision of postgraduate students, emphasising PhD candidates.
8. Staff Mobility & Research Initiatives: A significant focus was placed on facilitating academic staff exchange programs to promote staff mobility and collaborative research initiatives.
9. Undergraduate Mobility Programs: Developing student mobility programs, including summer schools or student exchange opportunities, for undergraduates was a key part of the discussions.
The expedition successfully laid the groundwork for future collaborations, focusing on immersion programs, research internships, student and faculty mobility, and joint research initiatives.
As SRM University-AP continues to establish itself as a leader in higher education, this journey to Malaysia represents a commitment to nurturing global academic relationships and empowering the next generation of learners through collaborative endeavors.
