UTM and UK's Keele University launch joint data analytics and AI centre

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Britain's Keele University have launched the Keele-UTM Data Analytics and AI Centre under a Memorandum of Agreement, Keele said on 17 September. The launch took place during a visit to Keele by senior UTM leaders.

Key points

• The centre will cover data visualisation, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and related technologies.
• Planned work includes research collaborations, joint funding bids, staff and student exchanges, and partnerships with industry and government.
• It was launched by Keele Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff and UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.
• The partnership will also use the expertise and facilities of Keele's Digital Society Institute.

Why it matters for Malaysia

Formal links like this give Malaysian researchers another route to international funding and exchange in AI. UTM's vice-chancellor framed the aim as tangible outcomes for both countries, which will need to be seen over time.

Questions answered

What is the Keele-UTM Data Analytics and AI Centre?

It is a joint research centre set up by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Keele University under a Memorandum of Agreement. It will work on data visualisation, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and related technologies.

What will the two universities do together?

According to Keele, they plan research collaborations, joint funding bids, staff and student exchanges, and strategic partnerships with industry and government stakeholders.