CELJIK, Slovenia: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing open science and enhancing international research collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS) in Slovenia.
This agreement, formalised during the Erasmus EU-funded Open Science Workshop, marks a significant milestone in promoting global academic partnerships. The MoU was signed by UMS Vice-Chancellor YBhg. Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor and ISSBS Dean, Prof. Dr. Kristijan Breznik.
The partnership aims to integrate Open Science principles into academic and research practices, emphasising the importance of open research data and methodologies.
This collaboration seeks to accelerate innovation while enhancing transparency and accessibility in scientific research. As part of the MoU, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS) will collaborate on developing frameworks for open research data management and knowledge science.
Key initiatives include securing matching grants for joint projects, establishing postgraduate mentorship and student exchange programs, and organising workshops and training sessions to enhance Open Science capacity building.
“This partnership reflects UMS’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and driving innovation through open science,” said Prof. Kasim.
“By prioritising open research data and methodologies, we aim to deliver impactful scientific advancements and make knowledge accessible to a broader global community.” Prof. Dr. Kristijan Breznik echoed this sentiment, stating, “ISSBS is excited to collaborate with UMS. Together, we aim to tackle critical challenges in open science and create meaningful initiatives that benefit researchers, students, and the global academic community.”
The event was attended by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly, who also serves as the Erasmus EU Open Science Institutional Leader for UMS. UMS Registrar Encik Luqman Bin Ridha, along with representatives focused on capacity building from Europe, including the Netherlands and Finland, as well as participants from India, Malaysia, and Africa, were also present.
Their involvement highlights the partnership’s global reach and inclusivity. Aligned with UMS’s strategic objectives under Key Results Areas (KRA) 1 and 3, which focus on internationalisation and research excellence, the MoU emphasises collaborative research projects, co-development of academic publications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The collaboration between UMS and ISSBS represents a significant advancement in empowering researchers and students, fostering innovation, and positioning both institutions as leaders in global research. By focusing on open science—particularly open research data—the agreement aims to create a sustainable framework for enhancing scientific practices and reinforcing UMS’s reputation as a hub for impactful research in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Dr. Rizal Zamani Idris, the Corporate Communication Director of UMS, this collaboration is a pivotal step toward strengthening UMS’s international standing. By engaging closely with global partners, UMS continues to solidify its role as a centre for innovation and global engagement.
