ZHENGZHOU, CHINA – September 19, 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen international academic cooperation, the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) and Zhengzhou University (ZZU) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. The signing ceremony, held at the Administration Building on the main campus of Zhengzhou University, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on collaborative postgraduate programmes and cutting-edge research.
The agreement paves the way for both institutions to leverage their respective strengths in science, engineering, and technology. The collaboration will initially focus on the Masters in Computer Science programme, with plans to rapidly expand into other academic areas and joint research initiatives, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The delegation from the University of Nottingham Malaysia was led by Professor Hazel Melanie Ramos, Vice Provost, and included Professor Stephanus Mathijs Joseph Janssen, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering; Professor Chen Zhi Yuan, Head of the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Ms. Au Shieu Ye, Director of Student Recruitment; and Mr. Lwee Chen Yang, Regional Manager for East Asia.
They were warmly welcomed by the host delegation from Zhengzhou University, led by Professor Laurence Tianruo Yang, Vice President (Academic) and Dean of the School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence. He was joined by Mr. Wu Jun Chao, Director of the International Office; Ms. Sun Xue Lian, Deputy Director of the International Office; and Ms. Wang Yong Mei, Head of the Talent and International Cooperation Office.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome speech by Professor Yang, who highlighted the shared vision of both universities for academic excellence and global engagement. This was followed by remarks from Professor Hazel Ramos, who expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.
"Programme in Computer Science. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to cultivating highly skilled graduates who can contribute to the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation — areas of growing importance for both our countries and the world." stated Professor Hazel Ramos, Vice Provost of UNM.
Following the speeches, Professor Ramos and Professor Yang signed the MOU, formalising the partnership. The event proceeded with a traditional exchange of gifts and a group photograph, symbolising the mutual respect and friendship between the two institutions.
A productive discussion session followed the signing ceremony, where faculty deans and senior managers explored the concrete next steps for the collaboration.
Professor Stephanus Janssen, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at UNM, noted his enthusiasm for the research potential, emphasizing that the integration of Artificial Intelligence into their joint research endeavours is a key objective. He expressed confidence that the synergy between ZZU's strong research focus in computer science and AI and UNM's international approach would lead to impactful and innovative outcomes.
To conclude the visit, the UNM delegation was given a tour of Zhengzhou University’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including a currently developing site earmarked for future pioneering research projects which points towards the university's commitment to growth and innovation.
Posted on 2nd October 2025