A Collaborative Leap Towards Innovation

The Strategic Research Institute (SRI) of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted a dynamic academic exchange on 17 July 2025, centred on the theme “Collaborate Globally, Innovate Locally.”

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The event marked a significant milestone in APU’s global engagement strategy, as it concluded the ten-day visit of Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa, the first visiting professor from Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa. 

Spearheaded by Professor Dr Mohammed Falahat, Director of SRI, the seminar sought to deepen institutional linkages between APU and DUT through joint research, knowledge transfer, and strategic alignment, reinforcing APU’s vision of impactful global partnerships. 

Insights from the Global South

Opening the seminar, Prof Mbandlwa reflected on the shared aspirations and challenges confronting universities in the Global South.

“The power of partnerships lies in the opportunity to learn from one another while tackling real-world challenges that cut across geography,” he stated.

His keynote highlighted DUT’s strategic priorities in public administration, economic development, and innovation management, setting a collaborative tone for the afternoon’s deliberations.

Moving from Dialogue to Action

The exchange attracted robust participation from APU’s School of Engineering (SoE), School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), and SRI’s research leaders. Discussions spanned collaborative writing, co-supervision, exchange programmes, and joint grant applications, aimed at elevating research impact and global relevance.

Notably, Dr Arumugam G. Sithamparam from SoMM expressed keen interest in cross-national economic research, while Associate Professor Dr Rohana Sham from SRI proposed pursuing a joint matching grant with DUT.

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of a cross-institutional book proposal, “Bridging Continents: Technological Innovation and Growth in Asia and Africa.” Prof Mbandlwa confirmed that a draft had been submitted, with plans to examine innovation’s role in economic transformation across both regions.

Laying the Foundations for Enduring Research

Beyond the seminar, Prof Mbandlwa collaborated extensively with SRI’s team during his visit, conceptualising three manuscripts targeted for Scopus Q1 journals. 

These works delve into Special Economic Zones in South Africa and Malaysia, higher-education reforms and collaborative models, and leadership’s role in driving technological innovation within universities.

In recognition of his contributions, Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Development and Strategy at APU, alongside Prof Falahat, presented Prof Mbandlwa with a token of appreciation, symbolising the start of a long-term scholarly partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared vision.

A Forward-Looking Alliance

This seminar represents a strategic turning point in APU’s global research engagement. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to co-creating knowledge that addresses urgent development challenges and positions academia as a driver of inclusive growth.

“As APU continues to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, we look forward to seeing new projects, joint publications, and innovative partnerships emerge from this growing alliance with DUT,” shared Prof Falahat.