17.2.3 International Collaboration on SDG Data, Research, and Community Engagement

In 2024, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively engaged in international collaborations to generate, measure, and share data supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UniMAP researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Geopolymer & Green Technology (CEGeoGTech) conducted funded experiments at the Thailand Synchrotron National Laboratory (SLRI). The research focused on eco-friendly solder materials and green geopolymer composites, generating sustainability data relevant to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The findings support Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan and National Semiconductor Strategy, contributing to international scientific data sharing for sustainable industrial innovation. (Newspaper article)
(More info: Thailand Synchrotron National Lab Research Collaboration)

UniMAP hosted the RUTS–UniMAP Collaboration Camp 2024 (13–17 May), engaging 72 participants in academic discussions, innovation workshops, and cultural exchanges. The partnership continued with the Smart Farm Camp 2024 at Rattaphum College, RUTS on 14 August, focusing on data collection and measurement for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These initiatives strengthened cross-border cooperation in sustainability research and innovation.
(More info: RUTS–UniMAP Collaboration Camp 2024)

In collaboration with UNUSA and the Malaysian Ministry of Education, UniMAP participated in an international community service program at Sekolah Kebangsaan Guar Jentik, Negeri Perlis. Participants from three nationality schools received training on clean water and simple community technologies. The program included data collection and analysis of water quality, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
(More info: UNUSA–UniMAP International Community Service)

Through these collaborations, UniMAP demonstrates its commitment to advancing global sustainability through international partnerships, applied research, and data-driven initiatives, fulfilling the criteria of SDG 17.2.3 – International collaboration on gathering or measuring data for the SDGs.

17.2.3 Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively participates in international collaboration on gathering and measuring data for the SDGs through its funded research projects. These projects are not merely theoretical but involve the development of sophisticated tools and systems specifically designed for data collection and analysis, directly supporting the global SDG monitoring framework.

The evidence from the grant listings shows several projects focused on creating new data-gathering technologies through international partnerships:

• Sensor Development for Environmental and Health Data: Projects like the "Development of CNT Based Piezoresistive Sensor" and the "Submersible Capsule Potentiostat for Enhanced Bioreactor Monitoring" involve creating physical sensors to collect precise, real-time data. This contributes to measuring progress for SDG 6 (Clean Water) and SDG 3 (Good Health) by providing new methods to monitor environmental conditions and biological processes.
• AI-Powered Data Analysis for Education and Security: Research such as "Investigating The Impact of AI on Education" and "Internet Users Profiling by Artificial Intelligence" utilizes international collaboration to gather and analyze complex datasets. These projects develop methodologies for measuring educational outcomes (SDG 4) and enhancing cybersecurity, which is a foundational element for peaceful societies (SDG 16).
• Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring Systems: The "Smart Greenhouse Management System Using IOT & ML" and the "IOT-Integrated Fruit Inspection and Grading System" are prime examples of developing integrated data-gathering systems. These collaborations generate vital agricultural data for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and optimize resource use, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).

The international nature of these grants—such as the mobility grant with Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland and collaborations with partners in Jordan—demonstrates that this data gathering is a cooperative effort. By co-developing these advanced measurement tools and methodologies, UniMAP is directly contributing to the global pool of knowledge and technological capacity required to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

More info: Laporan Tahunan RMC