APU and VBSPU Unite for Academic and Research Excellence 

In a landmark development for international academic cooperation, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia, and Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University (VBSPU), India, formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19 February 2025.

This pivotal agreement lays the foundation for a dynamic partnership aimed at enriching academic excellence, advancing research innovation, and nurturing cross-cultural understanding.

The MoU was officially signed during a virtual ceremony that convened esteemed representatives from both universities. This event marked the beginning of a strategic alliance with far-reaching implications for students, researchers, and faculty members on both sides.

Distinguished Attendees at the Signing Ceremony

Representing APU at the event were Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing (SoC), and Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for this MoU.

VBSPU was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Vandana Singh, along with Professor Ajay Dwivedi, Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Professor Dr Vikrant Bhateja, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Dr Manoj Kumar Pandey, the university’s Nodal Officer for the partnership.

About Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University

Founded in 1987, VBSPU is a prestigious state university located in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds an "A+" grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Over the decades, VBSPU has built a strong reputation as a centre of higher learning and research excellence across multiple disciplines.

A Comprehensive Framework for Cooperation 

The MoU sets out a multi-faceted framework for cooperation, encompassing various academic and research domains. One of the key highlights is the facilitation of joint research projects and co-authored publications, encouraging cross-border collaboration among academic staff and researchers. These collaborative efforts are poised to produce valuable contributions to global scholarship.

According to Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana, the agreement places strong emphasis on faculty and student exchange programmes. These initiatives aim to offer participants immersive international experiences that enhance academic perspectives and cultivate global citizenship.

Enhancing Access and Expanding Horizons

Beyond exchanges, the partnership includes mutual access to specialised facilities, digital libraries, and academic resources. This provision is expected to elevate the quality of research and teaching at both institutions by enabling broader access to knowledge and infrastructure.

In addition, the MoU outlines the organisation of joint academic events such as conferences, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings will provide a platform for intellectual exchange, professional development, and networking, fostering stronger academic communities within and beyond both universities.

Another critical feature of the agreement is the collaborative supervision of postgraduate research students and mutual recognition of academic qualifications. These initiatives will promote seamless academic progression and foster deeper institutional ties.

A Shared Vision for Global Impact

Speaking on the occasion, APU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan remarked, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to making this partnership possible. The dedication and hard work of the concerned staff from both institutions have been essential in reaching this milestone.”

Special appreciation was extended to Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana and Dr Vazeerudeen Hameed from APU’s School of Computing, along with Associate Professor Dr Vikrant Bhateja of VBSPU, whose consistent coordination played a vital role throughout the negotiation and signing process. 

Prof Ho further emphasised, “We are confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for students, faculty, and researchers at both institutions, while also contributing to the broader landscape of international higher education.”

Looking Ahead

This newly established partnership exemplifies APU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating global academic networks and creating meaningful, long-term opportunities for its academic community. Through shared vision, resources, and dedication, APU and VBSPU are poised to achieve lasting impact in the realm of higher education and research.