Monash University Malaysia and Cardiff University to strengthen global collaboration
Monash University Malaysia and Cardiff University marked the beginning of a strong partnership with a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony on 23 October 2024. The ceremony, held at our campus, solidified a collaborative agreement to foster joint research, academic exchanges, and educational initiatives. The MoU was officially signed by Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research and Development) of Monash University Malaysia, alongside Professor Rudolf Allemann, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International of Cardiff University.
The event began with a warm welcome from Dr Mohamed Noor Rosli bin Baharom, Director of External Engagement and Advancement at Monash University Malaysia, who introduced the Cardiff University delegation and the attending faculty members from Monash. He expressed his excitement about the potential of this collaboration and emphasised the importance of global partnerships in advancing education and research excellence.
The MoU is part of Monash University Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation, with the first phase of this partnership focusing on the School of Engineering, School of Information Technology, and School of Business. The collaboration is set to explore several avenues, including joint research initiatives, academic exchanges involving students and faculty for deeper cross-cultural learning and research, seminars, conferences, and workshops to be co-organised by both universities, development of pathways for Monash University Malaysia students to progress into Cardiff University programs and collaborative academic degree programs across the selected faculties.
From left to right: Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research and Development) of Monash University Malaysia with Professor Rudolf Allemann, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International of Cardiff University.
Professor Rafiq emphasised the significance of this partnership in advancing research in key areas, particularly sustainable engineering and digital technologies. He focused on the value of creating opportunities for both students and faculty to engage in interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing global challenges, such as climate change and the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Professor Allemann, from Cardiff University, spoke about the impact of Brexit on UK universities and the growing importance of global academic connections. He noted that Cardiff’s collaboration with Monash University Malaysia aligns with Cardiff’s broader strategy of expanding its international presence and engaging with institutions across the globe. This partnership, he mentioned, would particularly benefit research in areas such as neurobiology, computer science, and green construction technologies.
Professor Nafis Alam, from Monash’s School of Business, added that this collaboration would significantly contribute to research in fintech, sustainability, and digitalisation. He highlighted that Cardiff’s expertise in these areas, combined with Monash’s regional focus, could lead to groundbreaking advancements in business innovation. Collaborative academic programs, particularly in business and IT, would enhance student learning outcomes by providing exposure to both theoretical and practical applications across different cultural and economic contexts.
In closing, the heads of both institutions expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and the impact it would have on the academic and professional development of their students and faculty. The agreement promises to be a significant step toward deepening the ties between Monash University Malaysia and Cardiff University, enhancing academic excellence on a global scale.
Representatives from Cardiff University included key figures such as Anne Morgan (Head of International Partnerships and TNE), Amrit Kaur (Partnerships Development Manager, Malaysia), Professor Tim Edwards (Dean and Head of School, Cardiff Business School), Dr Louise Macniven (Director of UG Recruitment and Admissions, Cardiff Business School), Professor Andrew Potter (Director of PGT Programs, Cardiff Business School), Dr Matt Walsh (Head of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture), Professor Juliet Davis (Head of the School of Architecture), Professor Reza Ahmadian (Director of International, School of Engineering), Professor Alan Kwan (Deputy Head of the School of Engineering), and Professor Stuart Allen (Head of the School of Computer Science & Informatics).
From Monash University Malaysia, the delegation included Professor Raphaël Phan, Professor Adeline Johns-Putra, and Associate Professor Tan Boon Thong.