January 18, 2026 – Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Provincial Sports Complex, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, during the celebration of the 16th University Day, marking a significant milestone in strengthening international academic cooperation. The partnership between SKSU and UTeM seeks to promote global academic excellence and strengthen international collaboration by bringing together the complementary strengths, expertise, and diverse perspectives of both institutions to generate opportunities for innovation, learning, and cultural exchange.
The foundation of this partnership was laid in March 2023, when a delegation from UTeM, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ts. Dr. Massila Binti Kamalrudin, met with SKSU key officials headed by University President Dr. Samson L. Molao. The engagement was initiated and facilitated by former Governor and TESDA Director General Hon. Suharto “Teng” T. Mangudadatu. This was followed by a series of virtual meetings and institutional visits to refine the terms of cooperation, culminating in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2025 in Malaysia.
On the same day as the ceremonial signing in Isulan, the delegation from UTeM and SKSU key officials also conducted a discussion meeting on the proposed SKSU–UTeM Academic Consortium. The meeting focused on aligning academic frameworks, strengthening collaborative mechanisms, and identifying priority programs to further institutionalize joint initiatives under the partnership.
The collaboration focuses on several key areas, including the establishment of a learning center at SKSU, exchange of academic and scientific resources, joint research and teaching initiatives, collaborative seminars and cultural programs, as well as the mutual exchange of faculty and students.
During the event, University President Dr. Samson L. Molao conveyed his sincere appreciation to Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for its trust, commitment, and willingness to collaborate, emphasizing that the partnership opens valuable opportunities for faculty development, student mobility, and joint research that will benefit both institutions. On behalf of UTeM, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Jeefferie Bin Abd Razak, Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, likewise expressed sincere appreciation and utmost commitment to the partnership. SKSU also conveyed its heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, led by the visionary and dynamic Governor, Hon. Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in the success of this milestone event and in sustaining the university’s internationalization initiatives.
This international collaboration further reinforces SKSU’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting inclusive and innovative learning opportunities and strengthening global academic and institutional partnerships.
