Keele joins with Malaysian partners to establish new AI research centre

Keele has partnered with a leading Malaysian university to establish a new joint research centre for data analytics and AI research.  

The new joint centre, in partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), was launched during a visit to Keele this week by senior leaders from UTM, with both universities having agreed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) committing to the venture.  

The new Keele-UTM Data Analytics and AI Centre was officially launched by Keele’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff, and UTM’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, and will enable both universities to collaborate on research in a range of fields including data visualisation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and related technologies.  

Joining forces on multiple fronts through pursuing joint efforts like research collaborations, joint funding bids, staff and student exchange programmes, and strategic partnerships with industry and government stakeholders, the partners behind the new Centre will leverage both universities’ expertise, knowledge, and networks to advance their research in these fields.  

The partnership will also utilise the specialist expertise and facilities available through Keele’s Digital Society Institute, which was established to both address the challenges and make the most of the opportunities linked to the digital revolution.  

Professor Raphael Hirschi, Director of Keele’s Digital Society Institute, said: “Opportunities and threats in a digital world know no borders so it is crucial and exciting to be teaming up with a leading institution in Asia to exchange knowledge and expertise, exploit the opportunities that AI opens, and tackle cybersecurity challenges.”  

Professor Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said: “The Keele–UTM Data Analytics and AI Centre represents an important step forward in our partnership with Keele University. We want this Centre to be a platform that turns our shared expertise into tangible outcomes through impactful research, innovation, talent development and stronger engagement with industry, creating benefits for both Malaysia and the United Kingdom.”