Gowa, 20 September 2026 – Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) has strengthened its international research collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through the implementation of the Invited Researcher Programme, bringing in Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid from the Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM. The program, held from 13–20 September 2026, is part of the academic cooperation between UNHAS and UTM under an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This activity serves as a platform for both institutions to enhance collaboration in the field of construction materials, particularly sustainable concrete and concrete durability. During the program, Dr. Nur Hafizah collaborated with UNHAS researcher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akbar Caronge from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNHAS, through a variety of research activities and experiments in the laboratory.

Over five working days, the collaboration activities included experiment preparation, concrete testing, data collection and analysis, as well as discussions on interpreting the research results. This series of activities provided opportunities for researchers from both institutions to exchange knowledge, experiences, and practices in conducting research in the field of structures and materials.

The experiments conducted at the Structures and Materials Laboratory UNHAS included the Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT), accelerated corrosion assessment through half-cell potential measurement, Frattini tests to evaluate the reactivity of pozzolanic materials, as well as the design and casting of lightweight foamed concrete. These tests support the development of knowledge regarding the characteristics, durability, and utilization of more sustainable construction materials.

Beyond laboratory activities, the program also involved undergraduate and postgraduate students in technical and research discussions. The discussions covered concrete testing techniques, experimental procedures, and interpretation of test results. Student involvement provided practical experience in understanding the relationship between laboratory experiments and the process of producing accountable research conclusions.

Collaboration was further expanded through discussions with UNHAS management and academic community regarding opportunities for joint research development, international funding, as well as researcher and student mobility. These discussions also opened up opportunities to broaden collaborative networks with educational and research institutions at the international level, including potential cooperation involving Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan.

The implementation of the Invited Researcher Programme is a tangible form of leveraging the UNHAS–UTM partnership to promote academic mobility, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint research. This collaboration is expected to grow through joint scientific publications, applications for collaborative research funding, and various other academic activities in the future.

This activity is also in line with UNHAS’s commitment to strengthening international academic networks and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through this activity, UNHAS and UTM continue to build a stronger foundation for collaboration in the development of sustainable construction materials research, while expanding opportunities for lecturers, researchers, and students to participate in international-scale academic activities.