Serdang, 12 February – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its Centre for Foundation Studies in Science (ASPutra), has expanded its international academic network with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), India, to strengthen strategic collaboration in pharmaceutical research and wound healing.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the 1st International Closed Meeting on Wound Healing Project 2026 (iCMWP 2026), which serves as an important platform bringing together experts and researchers to accelerate innovation in wound healing — a critical domain in modern medicine and healthcare.

UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, stated that international collaboration serves as a key driver for high-impact research, knowledge transfer, and the development of new healthcare technologies.

He added that the collaboration is further reinforced through a Joint Action Plan 2026–2031, which emphasises structured, sustainable, and outcome-orientated programme implementation to ensure that the partnership translates into tangible research outputs, innovation, and commercialisation potential.

Regional research synergy was also strengthened through a tripartite MoU involving UPM, SOA, and Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. This three-way collaboration stems from the successful award of the ASEAN–India Collaborative R&D Grant 2025, with the project ranked among only 20 approved out of nearly 1,000 international proposals.

Project leader Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Siti Efliza Ashari described the achievement as recognition of local researchers’ capabilities and the strength of cross-border scientific collaboration in advancing wound healing innovation.

This initiative is expected to further position UPM as a regional leader in health research while contributing to the development of medical technologies that deliver meaningful impact to society.

Date of Input: 13/02/2026 | Updated: 13/02/2026 | amira.rahim