UUM and MSU Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Nation’s Creative Industry Education Revolution
SHAH ALAM, 11 May 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Management and Science University (MSU) marked a historic milestone with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), set to serve as a new catalyst for the advancement of higher education and the nation’s creative industry.
The ceremony, held at MSU campus in Shah Alam, witnessed the two prestigious institutions combining their expertise to strengthen research, academic programmes, student mobility and international consultancy networks.
UUM was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, while MSU was presented by its President and Founder, Prof. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.
This high-impact collaboration also garnered significant attention as it was inspired by the aspirations of His Royal Highness Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, the Raja Muda of Kedah and MSU Chancellor, who envisions the close ties between the two universities being translated into global academic achievements and innovations.
Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said one of the main focuses of the collaboration is the implementation of a double degree programme involving UUM’s School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA) and MSU’s School of Hospitality & Creative Arts (SHCA).
“This initiative is expected to open wider opportunities for students to gain academic and industrial exposure from two leading institutions, while producing graduates equipped with strong international competitiveness.
“In addition, both institutions are planning to implement academic staff exchange programmes and joint research initiatives through matching grants, which are believed to further strengthen scholarly publications in the nation’s creative sector,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also stated that the collaboration represents a strategic “win-win” move that will not only strengthen the national higher education ecosystem, but also has potential to position Malaysia as a creative industry hub in this region.
He added that the UUM-MSU collaboration is also aligned with the current industry needs, which increasingly require highly skilled, innovative, resilient, and globally competent creative talents.
Meanwhile, Prof. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid stated that the collaboration established today should be further strengthened and expanded, particularly between universities and private companies.
According to him, such strategic collaboration is important in strengthening the culture of knowledge sharing, enhancing competitiveness and empowering the nation’s educational and innovation development.
He noted that close collaboration among educational institutions, the private sector and all stakeholders would create greater opportunities in the future.
“The efforts initiated will hopefully continue to grow and expand in the years ahead.
“This is the direction, focus and shared commitment that we will continue to realise together,” he said.
Also in attendance were MSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Puan Sri Dr. Junainah Abd Hamid; UUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani; MSU Academic Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Dr Norhisham Mohamad; UUM Dean of SCIMPA, Assoc. Prof. Gs. Dr Ruzinoor bin Che Mat; MSU Dean of SHCA, Dr Azizul Jamaludin and UUM and MSU senior officials.
