USM IPPT Signs MoU/MoA With Universities From Japan, Thailand And Industry To Strengthen Collaborations

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will continue to increase its collaborations with various parties in order to further strengthen its future agenda.

According to USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, through this smart partnership with the expertise available in other world-renowned universities and the industry, the university will be able to pursue excellence not only in academics, but also in research and other areas as it aspires to develop the communities and the nation.

He said this during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan and the USM Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT) to increase networking activities and research collaborations, student exchange, researcher exchange, organisation of joint symposiums and international conferences, and teaching and learning (T&L) programmes between both universities. 

Present was the Director of IPPT, Professor Dr. Tunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol Abidin, who witnessed and also signed the MoU and MoA documents on behalf of IPPT.

In virtual attendance were Professor Dr. Kamide Kei, Professor Dr. Kazuki Fukuchi, Professor Dr. Mai Kabayama and Associate Professor Dr. Dousatsu Sakata from Osaka University.

At the same ceremony in IPPT, an MoU was also signed with Mahidol University, Thailand to conduct research collaborations and to intensify efforts in promoting research, education and training programmes.

Mahidol University was represented by Professor Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Associate Professor Dr. Wijit Wonglumsom, Assistant Professor Dr. Chotiros Plablueng and Dr. Lertyot Treeratanapiboon, all of whom attended virtually.

Then, the Vice-Chancellor also signed an MoA on behalf of USM with Nanjing Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd. from China and Biotek Abadi Sdn. Bhd., to implement the "Emerging Infectious Diseases" (EID) programme.

Both industries are set to contribute an amount of RM100,000 in the form of research materials to the EID research programme.

The EID research programme, headed by Dr. Ng. Siew Kit, is a research thrust of IPPT as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that was ‘plagued’ with uncertainties and unpredictability.

This programme will serve as a preparatory measure in facing a possible disease (disease X), by expediting translational research efforts towards readying discoveries, solutions and preventive measures in dealing with future pandemics.

Also at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor signed an MoA with Codon Genomics Sdn. Bhd., to acquire support for scientific research by focusing on the data regarding translational treatment for breast cancer and clinical applications at IPPT, by fully utilising the comprehensive data ecosystem on breast cancer developed by Codon Genomics Sdn. Bhd.

Nanjing Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd. was represented by Ong Wei Ching and Muhammad Faisal Ikhwan Othman, while Vincent Tan Cheah Fook and Kenneth Low Ann Shyun represented Biotek Abadi Sdn. Bhd. Meanwhile, Codon Genomics Sdn. Bhd. was represented by Hoh Chee Choong and Dr. Lee Wei Kang.

“I hope that all the MoU and MoA signed between the university and the industry partners will lead to outcomes that would be beneficial to all parties,” said Abdul Rahman.

The Vice-Chancellor also spent some time visiting the exhibitions and demonstrations presented by Nanjing Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd. and Biotek Abadi Sdn. Bhd. at the Sains@Bertam Auditorium.

Also present in witnessing both the signing of the MoU and MoA were Associate Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Associate Professor Dr. Rafidah Zainon, Dr. Ng Siew Kit and Dr. Hasmah Hussin, the IPPT coordinator involved in the collaborations.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Norizan Ishak