By: Che Zalina Zulkifli, Nor Asiah Mohamad@Razak, Fazilat Qodirova, Jakhongir Shomutalov, Mad Helmi Ab Majid, Suhazlan Suhaimi, Salem Garfan, Satria Abadi, Okta Nurika, Marlina Manja Che Baharum, Suliana Sulaiman and Hasnatul Nazuha Hassan
Tanjong Malim, 18 April 2025 – A significant step toward enhancing international collaboration in higher education and research was marked through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between The Fund and Agency of Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education of Uzbekistan and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia.
This initiative officially launches the Young Scientist Uzbek Scholars Program, which will focus on five key areas related to sustainable development and innovative education.
The five main focus areas of the program are;
Smart City & Waste Management, Green Economy & Environmental Education,
Scientific High Impact Scopus Publications,
Experiential Outdoor Education for Promoting Culture & Tourism, and
Arts Landscape with Native Plants.
Through this collaboration, young scholars from Uzbekistan will not only undergo research training but also gain hands-on experience with Malaysian agencies and industries such as MARDI, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), the District Education Office (PPD) in Bagan Datuk, and other high-impact training locations in real-world environments.
The MoA signing ceremony took place at Scholar Suites Hotel, UPSI. The Uzbek delegation was led by Dr. Tavakalov Jonibek, Director of the Fund, accompanied by Mr Kamalov Botir, Mr Kabulov Elyor, and Mr Imamov Shukhrat. The five-year agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two countries.
The program will be led by Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli, supported by sub-project leaders Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mazuki Mohd Yasim, Dr. Intan Khasumarlina Mohd Khalid and Dr. Salem Abdullah Garfan Abdullah. The research team consists of experts from various disciplines, including Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi Sedon, Dr. Nor Asiah Mohamad@Razak, Dr. Mad Helmi Ab Majid, Dr. Okta Nurika, Dr. Suhazlan Suhaimi, Prof. Dr Mohd Azlan Nafiah, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Azam Sulong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suliana Sulaiman, Dr. Satria Abadi and Hasnatul Nazuha Hassan.
Representing UPSI at the signing ceremony was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. Also present were the Director of Corporate Communication, Prof. Dr. Mohd Izwan Shahril; Registrar, Mr. Helmi Zaifura Abdul Rahman; Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ing Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim, along with faculty representatives and UPSI administrative staff.