KUALA LUMPUR, 12 May 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its role as an industry-based higher education leader through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Malaysia, represented by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), to empower the implementation of the Bachelor of Forensic Science Programme and strengthen the national forensic training and research ecosystem.

The signing ceremony, held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), was attended and witnessed by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Haji Nasarah and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YB Tuan Adam Adli Abd Halim. PDRM was represented by the Inspector-General of Police, YDH IG Dato' Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, while USM was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.

The strategic cooperation between the School of Health Sciences (PPSK), USM and PDRM is a significant academic-law enforcement agency collaboration model in the development of the country's forensic science education and expertise.

Through this cooperation, students of the USM Bachelor of Forensic Science Programme will have the opportunity to undergo practicum training at the Royal Malaysian Police College, Cheras, in the final semester of their studies.

This MoA focuses on the provision of training facilities at the PDRM College as a "living lab" platform to strengthen authentic learning experiences in forensic science. This approach enables students to be directly exposed to the real work environment of forensic scientists, scientific investigation procedures, and professional standards practised by enforcement agencies.

Under this agreement, PDRM will provide access to premises, forensic laboratories, accommodation facilities, and lecture rooms, subject to current safety guidelines and regulations. PDRM will also act as co-supervisor for USM students involving up to 40 students for each practicum training session.

In addition to practical training, the cooperation also emphasises the development of forensic research, scholarly publications, the exchange of data and expertise, and the joint exploration of research grant opportunities.

USM also allocates five slots each year for PDRM Senior Officers to pursue postgraduate studies at USM in the fields of forensic science, social sciences, management, and communication.

Researchers and postgraduate students will also produce articles to be published in indexed journals, thereby demonstrating the impact of academic-industry cooperation on national knowledge, research, and innovation development.

USM will cooperate in bearing part of the cost of its students' practicum training, including the purchase of chemicals and forensic kits to support the implementation of student practicum training.

The university is also committed to ensuring full compliance with all safety procedures and operational requirements set by PDRM throughout the use of the facilities.

The USM Vice-Chancellor said the cooperation proves the university's continuous commitment to ensuring that higher education remains relevant to the country's current industry needs, technology, and challenges.

"This strategic cooperation between USM and PDRM is the best example of how academic institutions and enforcement agencies can work together to develop a more dynamic, practical, and high-impact education and research ecosystem. The 'living lab' approach applied not only strengthens students' professional competencies, but also helps produce graduates who are truly ready to meet the needs of the industry and the nation," he said.

He also added that the long-term cooperation is capable of contributing to the graduate employability achievement of the USM Bachelor of Forensic Science Programme, which exceeds 95 per cent, whether graduates continue their studies or enter employment in the public and private sectors, including law enforcement agencies, the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, and the banking sector.

The signing of this MoA once again reflects the strong commitment of USM and PDRM in empowering higher education, research, and the development of national forensic expertise to benefit the society and national security.

Original Text: Amyrulhan Azhari, School of Health Sciences, USM/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq