KUALA NERUS, September 29, 2026 – Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) received a courtesy visit from the US Embassy delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. David H. Gamble Jr., at the Canselori Building, UniSZA Gong Badak Campus today.
The delegation was welcomed by UniSZA Vice Chancellor, YBhg. Prof. Dr. Fadzli bin Adam along with senior management and university representatives.
The courtesy visit was a platform for both parties to discuss mutual interests and explore potential cooperation with US academic and research partners, particularly in the areas of access to quality education, impactful research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, cultural heritage preservation, and community development.
Among the potential areas of cooperation discussed were the organization of seminars and invited lectures, joint research, researcher mobility, short-term programs or credit mobility, staff exchanges, and capacity building. UniSZA also expressed its desire to explore opportunities for developing joint cultural heritage preservation projects with local heritage partners and communities.
The discussion also highlighted five multidisciplinary research clusters at UniSZA, including Islamic Civilization and Social Development, Medicine and Health Care, Agriculture and Environment, Technology and Smart Systems, and Law and Business, among others, as potential areas for cooperation with universities and researchers from the United States.
In an effort to expand international networks, UniSZA also emphasized student and staff mobility, academic and visitor exchange programs, joint research and scholarship opportunities, short-term programs, seminars, and invited lectures, as well as community projects with US partners.
The following from UniSZA were present: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr. Zuhairah Ariff Abd Ghadas; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Shukor Abd Razak; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Dato’ Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Mohd Hafiz Yusoff; Registrar, Encik Muzafar Mohd Din; Treasurer, Encik Suhaili Mohd; Legal Advisor, Encik Mohd Fuad Husaini; Director of Besut Campus, Prof. Madya Dr. Azman Azid; Head Librarian, Puan Norulhuda Makhtar; Director of Corporate Communications and Relations (CCoRM), Prof. Madya Dr. Syarilla Iryani Ahmad Saany; and Director of International Centre, Encik Cornelius Anuar Abdullah Mc Afee.
The delegation from the US Embassy in Malaysia was also joined by Spokesperson, Mr. James Butler David; Political Officer, Ms. Siree Allers; Senior Advisor, Mr. Sadayan Riazurrahman; and New Media Assistant, Mr. Hafizul Rahman Abdul Halim.
The visit concluded with the presentation of gifts and a group photo session, reflecting the commitment of both parties to explore potential cooperation opportunities that can be developed through initiatives that are appropriate for the future.
