Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) signed 11 international Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the International Workshop on International Cooperation, Globalisation and Sustainable Development Goals, held at Delta University for Science and Technology (DU) in Egypt, strengthening collaboration among institutions from 11 nations in joint research, academic mobility and sustainable development.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia, signed 11 landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading international institutions during the five-day International Workshop on International Cooperation, Globalisation and Sustainable Development Goals, held at Delta University for Science and Technology (DU) in Egypt from 1 to 5 September 2026.

This historic multi-institutional signing marked a major milestone in APU’s long-term strategy to expand its global academic footprint, creating an interconnected ecosystem across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The summit convened senior academic leaders and representatives from institutions across eleven nations, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

The workshop provided a dynamic platform to debate the future of higher education, strategic internationalisation, joint research, sustainability, and global university rankings.

Multi-regional partnerships established

The signing of the formal accords established a comprehensive foundation for future joint ventures in joint research, student and faculty mobility, postgraduate study, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

The international partner universities involved in the signing represented a diverse cross-section of global higher education. 

Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC) was represented by Ms Ganira Mammadzadeh, Head of the Strategic Planning Department at AzUAC; whilst Atatürk University (ATAÜNİ) in Türkiye was represented by Associate Professor Dr Ferhat Bozkurt from the Department of Computer Engineering.

Central Asian participation featured the National Pedagogical University of Uzbekistan (NPUU), represented by Mr Begzod Khudoyberdiyevich Khodjayev, Dean of the Faculty of History, alongside Samarkand State University (SamDU), represented by Professor Dr Mohd. Nazish Khan, Director of Remote Sensing and GIS.

North African and East Asian delegations included Ibn Tofail University (UIT) in Morocco, represented by Dr Saida El Bellali, Representative for International Rankings and Scientific Affairs, and Inha University (INHA) in the Republic of Korea, represented by Ms Jeeun Chung, International Relations Manager.

Middle Eastern institutions were extensively represented by Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) in Jordan through Eng. Rola Al Talib, Head of the International Rankings Department; Senior International Programmes Coordinator, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) in Saudi Arabia through Dr Abdullah Al-Thunayyan, Representative for Global Partnerships, and the American International University (AIU) in Kuwait through Dr Kim Taewan, Academic Affairs Specialist.

The delegation from Ukraine was represented by Mr Andrii Bozhkov, Head of International Relations on behalf of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (IAPM), whilst Delta University for Science and Technology (DU) in Egypt was hosted by Event Chairperson Professor Dr Tarek El-Khooly, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies, Research, International Relations and International Students.

From agreements to actionable impact

Delegates repeatedly emphasized the necessity of progressing beyond ceremonial signings to achieve tangible, measurable outcomes. 

To ensure these partnerships deliver real-world value, APU and its partner institutions committed to actioning initiatives across several key operational areas.

In the realm of research and scholarship, the institutions prioritized joint publications, cross-border research networks, and co-supervised doctoral studies. 

Academic mobility will be fostered through reciprocal student exchanges, short-term study tours, and visiting scholar programmes.

From an institutional perspective, the alliance will focus on digital integration, joint capacity-building, and shared best practices for improving global rankings. 

Furthermore, all signatory universities pledged to collaborate on cross-regional projects addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and local industry challenges to ensure a lasting societal impact.

Strategic Synergy with Delta University

The summit also cemented the strategic alignment between APU and Delta University. Serving as the primary host, DU provided an ideal gateway for APU to deepen its roots within the Egyptian higher education landscape while connecting with the broader African and Middle Eastern academic communities.

APU extended its sincere gratitude to Professor Dr Tarek El-Khooly, for his exceptional leadership and hospitality. His coordination successfully united leaders from 11 visiting nations, cultivating an environment ripe for direct dialogue and immediate cooperation.

The conclusion of the five-day workshop in Egypt signalled the beginning of an ambitious operational phase. 

The immediate priority for APU and its global partners is transforming the eleven institutional agreements into active research projects, mobility schemes, and academic exchanges.

Ultimately, the engagement underscored a fundamental principle driving APU’s global vision. Meaningful internationalisation is measured not by the volume of MoUs signed, but by the tangible opportunities and lasting impact those partnerships generate for students, researchers, and society at large.