By UOW Malaysia 

UOW Malaysia welcomed Professor Shahriar Akter, Deputy Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business (ASB), University of Wollongong Australia (UOW), on 28 September 2026. An internationally recognised researcher in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics and digital innovation, Professor Akter has published more than 175 research publications and was recognised among the world’s top 1% of researchers by Clarivate in 2022 and 2023. His visit brought together students and academics from UOW Malaysia’s Glenmarie and Batu Kawan campuses to explore emerging technologies and strengthen research collaboration.

The visit commenced with a strategic meeting involving Professor Dr Hon Wei Min, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Dr Jasmine Phan, Head of the Postgraduate and Research Centre. Discussions focused on UOW Malaysia’s research ecosystem and opportunities for joint research initiatives, Malaysian government research grants, commercial research and industry engagement. The meeting underscored the potential to harness expertise across UOW’s global network to drive impactful collaborative research with meaningful industry and societal outcomes.

In the afternoon, Professor Akter delivered an engaging seminar on AI to more than 100 undergraduate students from UOW Malaysia’s Glenmarie and Batu Kawan campuses. The session offered valuable insights into the growing influence of AI and its implications for the future of business, technology and professional practice.

The visit continued with a research roundtable titled “ASB Research Environment and Opportunities for Collaboration”, attended by approximately 25 academic staff from various schools and departments across both Malaysian campuses. Professor Akter shared insights into ASB’s research strengths, strategic priorities, commercial research activities and approaches to industry engagement. Academics also exchanged ideas and explored opportunities for collaborative projects, publications and research funding with colleagues across the UOW network.

The visit reinforced the strong academic ties between UOW Australia and UOW Malaysia, creating new opportunities for future research partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through engagements such as these, UOW Malaysia continues to strengthen its research culture while connecting students and academics with global expertise, emerging opportunities and international perspectives.