Speaking in his capacity as UniMAP Chancellor, he said enhancing the quality of academic staff remained a key priority to ensure the university's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)-oriented education was supported by highly qualified and skilled educators.

“UniMAP places emphasis not only on the number of academic staff but also on ensuring that its teaching workforce has the capacity to support and enhance the students' learning experience effectively,” he said during a visit to Duy Tan University (DTU) in conjunction with UniMAP's International Leadership Mobility (ILM) programme.

 Also present were the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, who is also UniMAP Pro-Chancellor 1, and their daughters, Hajah Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah Jamalullail, who is UniMAP Pro-Chancellor 2, and Hajah Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.

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The UniMAP ILM delegation, led by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, was welcomed by DTU Vice-Provost Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu, Deputy Dean of the School of Engineering Technology Assoc Prof Dr Vu Duong, and Cooperation and Startup Division head Dr Nguyen Duc Hien.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said UniMAP's strengths were also reflected in the academic performance of its students, with 60.2 per cent of Engineering students, 77.3 per cent of Engineering Technology students and 96.5 per cent of Technology students achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 or above in 2024.

Similar achievements were recorded among Engineering Diploma students, with 67 per cent attaining a CGPA of 3.00 or higher, while 95 per cent of Communication and Business students achieved the same benchmark.

“This data shows that UniMAP's strength lies not only in its TVET orientation and graduate employability, but is also supported by the quality of its academic staff and the strong academic performance of its students,” he said.

Meanwhile, UniMAP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Shahriman Abu Bakar said the university aimed to expand its academic and research networks within the ASEAN region by exploring collaboration opportunities with DTU.

He said UniMAP encouraged regional research collaboration through ASEAN grants, colloquiums, and academic and student exchange programmes, in line with efforts to strengthen higher education networks among ASEAN countries.

“Last year, UniMAP successfully secured RM28 million in research grants through collaborations with various agencies, industries and overseas universities.

“Opportunities to obtain regional ASEAN grants are currently available, and research collaboration is no longer confined to Malaysia. Instead, universities are encouraged to engage strategic partners across the region,” he said.

Shahriman said UniMAP welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with DTU in exploring grant applications and undertaking joint projects that could benefit communities and industries in both countries, particularly in Perlis and Da Nang.

Potential areas for collaboration include artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, education, communications and sustainability, he said.

He added that such collaborations would not only expand UniMAP's international network but also provide opportunities for researchers and students to work together in addressing real-world challenges relevant to industries and communities across the ASEAN region.

-- BERNAMA