UiTM Malaysia and SWFU China

Building upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Southwest Forestry University (SWFU), initiated by UiTM Pahang Branch in 2024, a UiTM delegation undertook a collaborative visit to Southwest Forestry University, Yunnan, China, from 13–18 July 2026. The visit marked an important continuation of the UiTM–SWFU strategic partnership and focused on strengthening collaboration under the Yunnan International Joint Research and Development Centre for Digital Monitoring and Application of Protected Areas (China–Malaysia), further advancing joint research, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Malaysia and China.

The Joint R&D Centre is supported by a three-year grant amounting to RMB 3 million, spanning from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. Through this strategic multidisciplinary platform, both institutions aim to connect expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, digital monitoring, advanced materials, chemical engineering, forestry, ecological conservation, and environmental sustainability, translating their international partnership into impactful research outcomes while reinforcing their long-term commitment to research cooperation, innovation, technology development, and knowledge exchange.

The UiTM delegation was led by Professor Dr Wan Mohd Nazri Wan Abdul Rahman, Deputy Rector (Research & Industry Linkages), UiTM Pahang Branch, together with Dr Juhaida Ismail, Head of Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FSKM); Associate Professor Dr Khairi Khalid, Director, UiTM Green Centre (UGC); Dr Zulkifli Halim; Dr Lee Seng Hua; Mr Muhd Eizan Shafiq Abd Aziz; Ms Suriyati Ujang; and Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr Nur Hashimah Alias, Deputy Dean (Research & Industry Linkages), Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam.

A key highlight of the visit was a project discussion involving the China–Malaysia research team, project leaders, and core members of the Yunnan International Joint Research and Development Centre for Digital Monitoring and Application of Protected Areas (China–Malaysia). The discussion focused on strengthening ongoing collaboration and identifying future research directions in digital monitoring, intelligent supervision, early-warning systems, and technology-driven management of protected areas and natural ecosystems. The engagement also explored the integration of AI, big data analytics, and digital platforms to enhance environmental monitoring, ecological conservation, and the sustainable management of protected areas.

During the visit to SWFU, the delegation visited the College of Big Data and Intelligence Engineering, where they gained insights into the college's academic development, talent cultivation, and research platforms. The visit provided opportunities to explore potential collaboration in AI, big data, intelligent systems, and digital technologies, particularly in support of environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

Beyond the university, the delegation visited Sanpan Technology (Yunnan) Co., Ltd., a collaborating partner of the project, where discussions centred on protected-area monitoring, management and early-warning models, digital supervision platforms, and the development of smart monitoring systems. The delegation also visited the Kunming Artificial Intelligence Computing Centre to gain insights into AI computing infrastructure, industrial service models, and the development of the broader artificial intelligence technology ecosystem.

The collaborative visit extended to Dali, where the delegation visited the Dali Erhai Smart Supervision Centre to learn about the implementation and outcomes of smart monitoring approaches supporting the ecological protection and restoration of Erhai Lake. The delegation also engaged with Yunnan Xingyu Ecological Environment Construction Co., Ltd., facilitating practical knowledge exchange in soil and water conservation monitoring, ecological restoration, and environmental impact assessment.

The delegation also visited the College of Materials and Chemical Engineering at SWFU, opening further avenues for interdisciplinary research collaboration in advanced materials, chemical engineering, environmental technologies, green innovation, and sustainable resource utilisation. This engagement demonstrated the potential to broaden the existing partnership beyond digital monitoring by connecting expertise across multiple disciplines and creating new opportunities for collaborative research and innovation.

Another highlight was the visit to the Museum of Wood and Bamboo, which provided valuable insights into the diversity, characteristics, utilisation, and significance of wood and bamboo resources. The visit highlighted the importance of forest-based resources and bio-based materials in supporting sustainable development, materials innovation, and the circular bioeconomy, while showcasing SWFU's distinctive strengths in forestry-related education, research, and innovation.

Moving forward, this growing partnership will continue with a reciprocal visit by delegates from Southwest Forestry University to UiTM Malaysia from 3–8 August 2026. The reciprocal engagement is expected to facilitate further discussions and initiatives in joint research projects, technology and innovation development, joint publications, academic and student mobility, knowledge and expertise exchange, and other high-impact international collaborations. Through these continuous two-way engagements, UiTM and SWFU aim to translate their strategic partnership and the RMB 3 million Joint R&D Centre initiative into tangible and sustainable outcomes, while further strengthening academic and research ties between Malaysia and China.

Together, UiTM and Southwest Forestry University continue to transform international partnerships into meaningful impact—connecting Malaysia and China through research, knowledge, innovation, technology, and sustainability.

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