The emerging partnership between APU and Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, opens opportunities in mobility, research, innovation, digital education, business, tourism and industry-engaged learning.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) took a step in expanding its international network when it welcomed Dr Muslim Jameel, a researcher from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, for an official academic visit on 26 June 2026.

The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Ireland in higher education, research, innovation and mobility. More than a courtesy engagement, it opened conversations on how two technological universities can work together to create wider learning, research and industry opportunities for students, academics and communities.

A Shared Vision for Future-Ready Education

ATU is one of Ireland’s newest and fastest-growing technological universities. Established in April 2022 through the merger of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Letterkenny Institute of Technology, ATU represents Ireland’s transformation agenda for higher education.

Today, ATU operates across multiple campuses in west and north-west Ireland, serving more than 20,000 students. The university has built a reputation for industry-engaged education, applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship and regional development — areas that resonate with APU’s commitment to producing globally competent, digitally skilled and industry-ready graduates.

Technology as a Bridge for Collaboration

During the visit, Dr Muslim Jameel met Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of APU’s School of Technology (SoT); Dr Hassan Jamil Syed, Senior Lecturer at SoT; and Mr Muhammad Nabil Danial Bin Mohd Zaini, Student Services Executive.

Their discussions focused on strategic areas of mutual interest, including collaborative teaching and learning, student mobility, international exchange programmes, joint academic programmes, articulation pathways, academic and professional staff exchanges, and collaborative research in emerging technology domains.

Key areas identified included artificial intelligence, computing, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and other applied technologies. Both institutions recognised the strong alignment between their educational philosophies, particularly in bridging academic excellence with industry relevance. This shared vision provides a foundation for impactful collaborations.

Expanding Links in Business, Tourism and Hospitality

In a separate meeting with Professor Dr Kashif Hussain, Senior Head of the School of Business and Global Hospitality and Tourism at APU, Dr Muslim Jameel explored collaboration between ATU’s corresponding schools and APU’s business, hospitality, tourism and management disciplines.

The discussions covered opportunities for joint curriculum development, student and staff mobility programmes, collaborative research in sustainable tourism, digital business, hospitality innovation, marketing and entrepreneurship. The parties also explored dual-degree pathways and industry-engaged learning initiatives.

Particular emphasis was placed on leveraging APU’s strengths in digital business education and global hospitality programmes alongside ATU’s recognised expertise in tourism, hospitality, business and enterprise research, including its School of Marketing, Tourism, Services, Retail and Languages, and research activities supporting sustainable tourism, innovation and enterprise development.

Building Trust through Mutual Respect

A highlight of the visit was the ceremonial exchange of commemorative gifts, symbolising mutual respect and shared commitment towards building a sustainable international partnership.

Mr Muhammad Anis Ur Rehman, Senior Director of Student Services at APU, presented an APU commemorative arch to Dr Muslim Jameel. In return, Dr Muslim Jameel presented the official ATU emblem to Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, representing the beginning of a promising relationship.

Towards a Meaningful International Partnership

The visit reflects APU’s commitment to expanding its global academic network and strengthening partnerships with recognised universities. It also aligns with ATU’s strategic vision of fostering international collaboration that connects education, research, industry, innovation and development.

As higher education becomes increasingly driven by international cooperation, interdisciplinary research and innovation, the emerging partnership between APU and ATU is expected to create opportunities for academic excellence, knowledge exchange, research impact and global engagement.

The collaboration promises lasting benefits for students, researchers, academic staff, industry partners and communities served by both institutions, reinforcing their shared commitment to shaping the future of higher education through international partnership.