The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Universiti Malaya (UM), undertook an official benchmarking and research collaboration visit to South Korea from 21-25 April 2025. The visit aimed to engage with leading higher education institutions and the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul to explore best practices, strengthen institutional ties and advance UM’s research and innovation agenda.
The institutions visited included:
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Yonsei University
- Embassy of Malaysia, Seoul
- Seoul National University (SNU)
- Korea University (KU)
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology – SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University
Objectives:
- To obtain insights into academic and research strategies
- To exchange ideas and identify opportunities for strategic collaborations
- To explore best practices in university governance, innovation and internationalisation
The delegation also participated in campus and laboratory tours to observe cutting-edge research facilities and gain firsthand exposure to technological and academic advancements. Photographs of the visit and related activities are attached.
1. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
The engagement with KAIST focused on benchmarking initiatives and discussions surrounding interdisciplinary research, commercialization pathways and talent development. KAIST’s governance model and robust innovation ecosystem provided a valuable reference for UM’s strategic planning. This partnership sets the foundation for potential joint initiatives and long-term collaborations, reinforcing UM’s aspiration to be a globally competitive, research-intensive university.
Official Benchmarking Visit and Research Collaboration between UM and KAIST
2. Yonsei University
The official visit to Yonsei University marked a strategic effort to enhance UM’s academic and research standing through international collaboration. Discussions centered on institutional governance, research strategy and academic mobility, with an emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary initiatives. The visit reaffirmed UM’s commitment to aligning with global best practices and strengthening its leadership in higher education across the region.
Official Benchmarking Visit and Research Collaboration between UM and Yonsei University
3. Embassy of Malaysia, Seoul
The courtesy visit to the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul facilitated valuable engagement between the academic and diplomatic communities. The session included insightful briefings on Malaysia–Korea bilateral relations with emphasis on advancing educational exchange, research partnerships and support mechanisms for Malaysian scholars in South Korea.
Universiti Malaya delegation’s visit to the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul
4. Seoul National University (SNU)
The benchmarking session with Seoul National University enabled meaningful exchanges on high-impact research collaboration and institutional development. The discussions explored joint research opportunities and capacity-building initiatives, especially in engineering and technology—areas aligned with UM’s strategic priorities.
Official Benchmarking Visit and Research Collaboration between UM and Seoul National University
5. Korea University At Korea University, the delegation engaged in structured dialogues focusing on research excellence, innovation in university operations and global academic mobility. Exploratory discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration in joint research, dual-degree programs and researcher/talent exchange initiatives
Official Benchmarking Visit and Research Collaboration between UM and Korea University
6. Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University
The visit to SAIHST was pivotal in strengthening UM’s ambitions in health sciences and interdisciplinary research. Key takeaways included approaches to preventive healthcare, population health analytics and data-driven health services. The visit concluded with a tour of the Kangbuk Health Screening Centre, exemplifying Korea’s leadership in innovative healthcare solutions.
Universiti Malaya delegation’s meeting with researchers from Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST) from Sungkyunkwan University
The official benchmarking visit to South Korea provided Universiti Malaya with valuable insights into global best practices in research, innovation and academic governance. The strategic engagements with top-tier institutions and the Embassy of Malaysia have laid a strong foundation for future collaborations in areas such as interdisciplinary research, academic mobility, commercialization and talent development. This visit not only strengthens UM’s international presence but also reinforces its commitment to becoming a globally respected, research-intensive university. Moving forward, the insights and connections established during this visit will inform and enhance UM’s strategic initiatives, partnerships and institutional advancement efforts.