UMPSA and The University of Edinburgh Seal Partnership to Bolster Academic Ecosystem and High-Impact Research
Monday, 2 February 2026 | Singapore
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The University of Edinburgh (UoE) during a ceremony held in conjunction with the Singapore Space Summit 2026 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
This collaboration is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the academic ecosystem and high-impact research, particularly in the fields of space technology, AI, biotechnology, and biodiversity.
The signing ceremony was officiated by UMPSA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias. The University of Edinburgh was represented by its Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Cross-Regional Projects, Audrey Kon.
The historic event was witnessed by the Director-General of the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), Dato' Gs. Haji Azlikamil Napiah, and the Managing Director of Pahang Aerospace City Development Berhad (PACDB), Adjunct Professor Muhamad Nurazmi Abas.
Strategic Global Collaboration
According to Professor Ts. Dr Aida, the formalisation of this MoU demonstrates UMPSA's commitment as a competency-based technical university to establish strategic ties with world-class institutions like UoE, which is renowned for its excellence in Engineering, Science, and Technology.
"This partnership is designed to explore new frontiers in critical research areas. The primary focus includes the development of a space hub, the establishment of a Biodiversity Expedition Lab, and the planning of Dual Master’s Degree programmes between UoE and UMPSA," she stated.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
The agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation, where both parties have agreed to pool resources for teaching, research, and community service activities aligned with their shared strategic goals.
As a globally recognised, research-intensive university, The University of Edinburgh has spearheaded numerous innovation initiatives and international partnerships to enhance knowledge exchange.
Also present at the signing were Professor Dr. Mohd Hasbi Ab Rahim, Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation Management); Associate Professor Ts. Dr Nasrul Hadi Johari, Director of the Centre for Advanced Industrial Technology (CAIT); and Kartina Osman, Senior Regional Trade Manager at the Scottish Development Institute (SDI).
