Lincoln University and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their research and academic collaboration. This updated agreement builds on prior collaborations and shared goals, with a special emphasis on advancing research in agriculture and food security.
The agreement details several key initiatives, such as collaborative research projects, exchanges of teaching and research staff, research training for Master's and Doctoral students, and active involvement in joint symposiums, syntheses, and other academic events.
Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards said he was delighted to sign the agreement, noting that it also opens doors for broader collaboration with one of Malaysia’s leading agricultural universities. “This agreement acknowledges our longstanding relationship with UPM and expands our cooperation into new areas”, he said. “By leveraging the synergies between UPM, a leader in agriculture and food security, and Lincoln University, a specialist in land-based disciplines, we can make significant strides towards achieving sustainable food security”.
Professor Edwards emphasized that collaborating with UPM provides Lincoln University researchers with a valuable opportunity to advance their work and contribute to UPM's strategic Food Security Blueprint. The MoU was signed by Dato’ Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Professor Grant Edwards. The signing took place yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, during a delegation visit as part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's mission with a business delegation to Malaysia and South Korea.
Mr Luxon expressed his support for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration reflects the strong relationship between New Zealand and Malaysia and our shared commitment to advancing education and research on agriculture and food security”.
Professor Edwards said the partnership aligns with Lincoln University’s 10-year strategy, which underscores the importance of conducting research with real-world impact. “We aim to enhance the opportunities in higher education by building strong partnerships with quality research and education institutions, industry, CRIs and government bodies around the world. Connecting and working with other research institutions, particularly high-profile international universities, is key to ensuring that Lincoln University provides our students with rich and varied learning opportunities”, he said.
