JOHOR BAHRU — The Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has officially welcomed Professor Chen Hong from Changsha University of Science and Technology (CSUST), China, for an eight-month visiting professorship running from 1st August 2026 through 31st March 2027. This long-term appointment marks a significant milestone in advancing UTM’s internationalization framework and strengthening high-impact academic collaborations between Malaysia and China.
Advancing Multidisciplinary Research in Infrastructure and Sustainability
During his residency, Prof. Chen is working closely with key university research entities, including FKA leadership across all departments and the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA). Upon his arrival, Prof. Chen met with key executive members of FKA, including the Dean, Prof. Ts. Dr. Rosli Hainin; Deputy Dean (Academic), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslli Bin Nor Mohamed; Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development), Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid; and Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Bin Md Din, to map out joint strategic research objectives. The collaboration focuses on cross-border engineering solutions, sustainable infrastructure development, and joint funding proposals designed to elevate UTM’s global research portfolio.
Mentoring Postgraduate Scholars and Early-Career Academics
Beyond strategic research, Prof. Chen’s tenure places a heavy emphasis on talent development and knowledge transfer within the faculty ecosystem:
-
Postgraduate Co-Supervision: Active engagement with Master’s and PhD candidates to refine thesis methodologies, elevate international publication standards, and enhance research outputs.
-
Academic Seminars & Workshops: Delivery of technical lectures, guest seminars, and specialized symposiums highlighting advanced engineering practices and materials science from China.
-
Capacity Building for Young Researchers: Mentorship initiatives aimed at equipping early-career academics with global research networks and collaborative grant-writing capabilities.
Expanding Industry-Academia Linkages Between Malaysia and China
Leveraging his extensive network across government agencies, academic consortiums, and industrial entities in China, Prof. Chen is serving as an operational bridge for technology transfer and institutional synergy. His involvement is set to facilitate bilateral industry engagement, commercialization avenues, and student exchange programs between UTM, CSUST, and regional industrial stakeholders.
This eight-month visiting professorship highlights UTM’s ongoing commitment to building international academic alliances that yield practical, sustainable solutions for the global engineering sector.
By: Profesor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Bin Md Din
