IPOH, 7 May 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) through its Centre for Testing, Measurement and Appraisal (CeTMA), has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR) Perak at Casuarina Hotel @ Meru.
The MoU exchange, involving UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed and IDR Chief Operating Officer cum Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Azizul Hakim Abd Karim, was witnessed by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, who is also the Chairman of IDR Board of Directors.
Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the MoU aims to strengthen strategic collaboration in the areas of measurement, evaluation, data analytics, policy research as well as expertise development and professional training.
According to him, the collaboration also symbolises the commitment of both parties towards empowering data and evidence-based decision-making in support of sustainable and high-impact state development.
The MoU exchange was held in conjunction with the Perak Policy and Research Conference (PPRC) 2026.
A courtesy visit was also held by the Vice-Chancellor to the IDR Chief Operating Officer at the holding room of Hotel Casuarina @ Meru.
The visit aimed to further strengthen academic-industry synergy through high-impact research, strategic publications and community development initiatives in support of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda.
Among the key areas identified for strategic collaboration are socioeconomic and security-related research, covering studies on the impact of maritime security, issues involving Perak Perak-Thailand border, and approaches to addressing the “Poverty of the Mind” phenomenon as part of the efforts to transform community mindsets
