Universiti Malaya (UM) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, innovation and strategic industry collaboration through its participation in the University Research & Innovation Investment Summit (URIIS) 2026, held from 21 to 23 September 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
URIIS 2026 serves as a national platform connecting universities and other key stakeholders to generate investible research and drive frontier innovation. This year, the summit brought together more than 20 public and private universities, over 200 investible technologies, startups, and industry players.
As the summit highlighted opportunities to translate university research into industry and investment outcomes, UM showcased its expertise through the “Universities in Focus: Investing in Campus” parallel sessions.
Presenting UM’s strength in healthcare innovation, Prof. Ir. Dr. Suhana Mohd Said highlighted from the AI in Medicine perspective, "The Gateway to Malaysia’s HealthTech Innovation Future.”
Halal research and innovation niche area represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zalina Zakaria of the UM Halal Research Centre (UMHRC) presented on “Halal Strategic Hub: World Trusted Gateway for Halal Knowledge, Solution & Enterprise.” The presentation highlighted the potential of halal knowledge and solutions to contribute towards enterprise development and wider market opportunities.
UM’s participation at URIIS 2026 also highlighted strategic collaborations that translate research expertise into tangible societal and economic impact.
One of the strategic partnership agreements highlighted during the Opening Ceremony of URIIS 2026 was between UM and Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO), led by Professor Emeritus Datuk Norma Mansor from the Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC). The 5-year partnership focuses on enhancing training facilities and developing highly skilled talent.
Another Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) featured was between HPMT Industries Sdn. Bhd. and Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor from the Faculty of Engineering. This partnership, effective from September 2026 to September 2029 centers on AI-enabled cutting tool design, grinding process intelligence, and industrial machining validation. It aims to foster joint technology development and provide postgraduate students with industry-focused research and training.
These initiatives, which are valued at more than 7 Million Ringgit, underscore UM’s dedication to fostering innovation and nurturing talent through strategic industry collaborations.
The event was attended by Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, and Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation).
UM’s participation at URIIS 2026 further demonstrates the University’s continued efforts to position its research and innovation capabilities for greater industry impact, knowledge exchange and strategic collaboration, while contributing to Malaysia’s aspiration to become a leading innovation and technology investment hub in ASEAN.
