Category: Blogs

“UTM, ZSTU Formalise Strategic Collaboration through MoU Exchange”

ZHEJIANG, 29 Jan – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) have officially strengthened their international partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony held on 29 January 2026.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both institutions. ZSTU was represented by Prof. Yao Juming, Vice-President; Prof. Zhang Xianming, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering; Prof. Zhu Yaofeng, Vice-Dean of the same school; Dr. Qian Chen, Associate Professor; and officials from the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, including Lyu Yuanyuan, Director, as well as Prof. Wu Guan and Dr. Xu Yunsheng, Deputy Directors.

UTM was represented by Prof. Ts. Dr Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), and Assoc. Prof. Dr Shafinaz Shahir, Dean of the Faculty of Science.

The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two universities. It establishes a formal framework for collaboration in key areas, including joint research initiatives, academic and student exchanges, staff mobility, and innovation-driven activities, particularly in science and engineering. Alongside the MoU exchange, the UTM delegation, including Dr Juan Matmin and Dr Naharullah Jamaluddin, conducted an academic visit to the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the Advanced Textile Technology Innovation Centre in Shaoxing. The visit enabled in-depth discussions on research focus areas, laboratory facilities, and technological capabilities, especially in materials science and advanced textile technologies. This engagement further strengthened mutual understanding and identified potential avenues for future collaborative research and academic programmes.

Through this MoU, both universities reaffirm their commitment to fostering long-term international collaboration and advancing excellence in research, innovation, and higher education. Before the formalisation of this MoU, UTM and ZSTU had already established a foundation of academic collaboration through several joint initiatives. These included co-authoring research articles in areas related to materials science and engineering, reflecting shared research interests and complementary expertise among faculty members from both institutions.

In addition, outbound staff mobility programmes were successfully implemented, with UTM academic staff members Dr Juan Matmin and Dr Naharullah Jamaluddin participating in academic visits and research engagements at ZSTU. These mobility activities enabled knowledge transfer, academic networking, and the strengthening of professional ties, which contributed significantly to the trust and momentum leading to the MoU signing.

Looking ahead, both universities have outlined several future collaborative initiatives under the MoU framework. Key plans include establishing a joint laboratory between UTM and ZSTU to support collaborative research, shared use of facilities, and the development of innovative solutions in materials science and related fields. In addition, both institutions are exploring a student exchange programme during the summer holiday, offering students opportunities for international exposure, academic enrichment, and cross-cultural learning. These initiatives are expected to further deepen institutional collaboration and enhance the global academic engagement of both UTM and ZSTU.

“Pembentangan Penilaian Lisan Sarjana Falsafah Mod Campuran: Kimia: Pengkhususan”

Tahniah kepada Dr. Naharullah Jamaluddin atas kejayaan Viva Voce pelajar Mixed Mode Progga Rani Dash pada 25 Sept 2025.

Penilai 1: Dr. Khairil Juhanni Abd. Karim
Penilai 2: Dr. Mohamad Hamdi Zainal Abidin
Pengerusi: Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Aemi Syazwani Abdul Keyon

Tahniah SV dan pelajar 🎉

“Chain Reaction”

In the heart of the lab, where the monomers play,
They link up together in a magical way.
Carbon backbones growing, long and strong,
Polymer chains singing their endless song.

From the ethylene dance to the styrene’s spin,
Addition or condensation, let the games begin.
Radicals rising, catalysts ignite,
Building up the future, one bond at a time.

Oh, it’s a chain reaction, a molecular dream,
From the smallest unit to a flowing stream.
Plastics and fibers, elastomers too,
Polymer chemistry’s changing the view.

We’re building up the chains, making something new,
From the lab to the world, it’s a breakthrough.
Polymer dreams, in every strand,
Shaping the future with a steady hand.

Polyethylene’s strong, PVC’s tough,
Nylon and polyester, we can’t get enough.
Rubber’s elastic, bouncing back again,
Thermoplastics melting, reshaping in the end.

Cross-linking bridges, networks so tight,
Vulcanized and sturdy, holding on with might.
From the DNA helix to the Kevlar’s weave,
Polymer chemistry’s the world we believe.

Oh, it’s a chain reaction, a molecular dream,
From the smallest unit to a flowing stream.
Plastics and fibers, elastomers too,
Polymer chemistry’s changing the view.

We’re building up the chains, making something new,
From the lab to the world, it’s a breakthrough.
Polymer dreams, in every strand,
Shaping the future with a steady hand.

From the monomer’s spark to the polymer’s glow,
It’s a world of connections, a chemical flow.
Biodegradable or forever to last,
Polymer chemistry’s future is vast.

We’re building up the chains, making something new,
From the lab to the world, it’s a breakthrough.
Polymer dreams, in every strand,
Shaping the future with a steady hand.

So here’s to the polymers, the chains that bind,
A world of materials, one of a kind.
From the lab to the stars, we’ll never be through,
Polymer chemistry’s changing the view.

“Bonds of Chemistry”

In the lab, where the magic unfolds,
Molecules dancing, their stories untold.
Carbon’s the star, with its four little hands,
Building the chains, the rings, and the strands.

Hydrogen whispers, “I’m here by your side,”
Oxygen’s waiting, with electrons to hide.
Functional groups, they’re the life of the show,
Alcohols, ketones, and esters aglow.

Oh, the bonds that we make, the bonds that we break,
In the world of reactions, there’s so much at stake.
From the simplest alkane to the complex enzyme,
Organic chemistry’s rhythm, it’s perfectly timed.

It’s the bonds of chemistry, holding us tight,
Carbon and hydrogen, in the pale lab light.
From the double to the triple, the covalent embrace,
Organic chemistry’s beauty, we can’t replace.

Benzene rings spinning, a hexagonal dream,
Resonance humming, like a chemical stream.
Nucleophiles charging, electrophiles too,
SN1 or SN2, which path will they choose?

Aldehydes are shining, so sweet and so bright,
Redox reactions, they’re taking flight.
Polymer chains growing, like life in a thread,
From the smallest monomer, to the vastness ahead.

Oh, the bonds that we make, the bonds that we break,
In the world of reactions, there’s so much at stake.
From the simplest alkane to the complex enzyme,
Organic chemistry’s rhythm, it’s perfectly timed.

It’s the bonds of chemistry, holding us tight,
Carbon and hydrogen, in the pale lab light.
From the double to the triple, the covalent embrace,
Organic chemistry’s beauty, we can’t replace.

Stereochemistry, chiral and true,
Enantiomers spinning, in a mirror-like view.
R or S configuration, it’s all in the hands,
Nature’s own artistry, we’re starting to understand.

It’s the bonds of chemistry, holding us tight,
Carbon and hydrogen, in the pale lab light.
From the double to the triple, the covalent embrace,
Organic chemistry’s beauty, we can’t replace.

So here’s to the molecules, the reactions we see,
The endless connections in organic chemistry.
From the lab to the stars, it’s a journey so grand,
The bonds of chemistry, forever we’ll stand.

“In the Name of God for Mankind”

The motto of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) carries a meaning that goes beyond academics. It reflects who we are and why we do what we do, grounded in faith, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility to serve others. In many ways, it aligns closely with UTM’s core values, Integrity, Synergy, Excellence, and Sustainability (ISES).

At UTM, we believe that we are servants of Allah, and this belief shapes how we approach our work. Keeping Allah at the center reminds us to act with sincerity, humility, and responsibility. It gives deeper meaning to what we do, not just as academics, but as individuals trying to contribute positively to society.

When we dedicate our work with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, it changes how we see our daily tasks. Work becomes more than just a responsibility. It becomes something meaningful. We tend to feel more grateful, more sincere, and more at peace with what we do. This mindset helps us grow, both professionally and personally.

Excellence, which is central to academia, is also closely tied to this perspective. When our intentions are clear and grounded, integrity naturally follows. From there, striving for quality, improvement, and innovation becomes part of our routine. UTM aims to produce graduates who are not only competent but also ethical and compassionate, people who can contribute to society in a meaningful and sustainable way.

At the same time, serving humanity remains at the heart of what we do. The phrase “for Mankind” in UTM’s motto is a constant reminder that our knowledge and efforts should benefit others. Whether through teaching, research, or community engagement, we carry the responsibility to make a positive impact. It is not just about personal success, but about how we can help others and address real-world challenges.

In the end, UTM’s motto is not just something we say. It is something we try to live by. It shapes how we think, work, and contribute. Being an academic here is not only about gaining knowledge but also about using that knowledge with purpose, guided by faith, and for the benefit of others.

“Indeed, my prayer, worship, life, and death are solely for Allah, god of the whole universe.”

Selamat datang dan setinggi-tinggi tahniah diucapkan kepada Dr. Naharullah bin Jamaluddin di atas perlantikan sebagai pensyarah kanan. Beliau telah melapor diri pada 20 Mac 2022 di Jabatan Kimia, Fakulti Sains. Dr. Naharullah berasal dari Sabak Bernam, Selangor. Beliau merupakan lulusan PhD dari Osaka University di dalam Kimia Polimer. Selamat berkhidmat dan semoga dapat menyumbang kepada kecemerlangan Jabatan Kimia khasnya serta Fakulti Sains dan UTM amnya. (sumber: Berita Kimia Mac 2022, Jabatan Kimia, Fakulti Sains, UTM)