TANJONG MALIM, 19 April – Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with The Fund and Agency for Innovative Development, operating under the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to enhance strategic collaboration in the areas of research and innovation.

The signing ceremony, held on Thursday at Scholar’s Suites, UPSI Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, marked the beginning of a five-year partnership aimed at nurturing the potential of young scientists from both Malaysia and Uzbekistan through high-impact, collaborative research initiatives.

UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dr. Norkhalid Salimin, announced that five joint research projects have been confirmed for the initial phase of the collaboration, with a total funding allocation of approximately US$90,310 (equivalent to around RM440,000).

"The projects involve participation from the Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology, the Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, as well as the Faculty of Arts, Sustainability and Creative Industries. Among the proposed research titles are Smart Cities and Waste Management, Green Economy, Environmental Education, High-Impact Scientific Publications, Landscape Design with Native Plants, and Outdoor Education to Promote Culture and Tourism," the university stated in an official release.

Dr. Norkhalid further emphasized that this initiative is aligned with UPSI’s vision to emerge as a leader in world-class education, while also advancing research in green technology and sustainable development through a multidisciplinary approach that unites diverse fields of study.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were UPSI Registrar Helmi Zaifura Abdul Rahman; UPSI Director of Corporate Communications, Professor Dr. Mohd Izwan Shahril; along with several representatives from Uzbekistan, including Tavakalov Jonibek Tavakalovich and Kabulov Elyor Nurmatovich.

In his speech, Tavakalov expressed deep appreciation to UPSI for its commitment to the collaboration, stating his confidence that the partnership would bring significant benefits to both researchers and local communities in Malaysia and Uzbekistan.

He also remarked that the cooperation signifies a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations—not only in the academic and technological domains, but also as a model for other countries seeking to expand global networks in science and innovation.