A three-member delegation from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, University Technology Malaysia, and the National Centre for Physics, Islamabad, visited CUI on March 5, 2024 at Islamabad Campus. The visitors included Professor Jie Yang, Professor, Director at the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China; Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad 'Athif Faudzi, Director at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIRO), Faculty of Engineering, University Technology Malaysia; and Dr. Hassan Shahzad, Head of Collaborations, National Centre for Physics, Islamabad.

Officials from CUI, including Prof. Dr. Shahzad A. Malik, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Professor Sohail Asghar, In-charge of the Islamabad Campus; and Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head of the International Office, participated in the meeting to explore avenues for scientific and research collaboration in mutual research areas.

The session commenced with an informative presentation by the Head International Office, providing insights into CUI's rich academic heritage, research prowess, and global collaborations. Following this, the Medical Image Processing Research Group (MIPRG) within the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at CUI Islamabad Campus was highlighted. The group's commendable achievements, spanning research areas such as Parallel MRI, AI in MR Image Reconstruction, and ASIC, were duly acknowledged, along with its collaborations with prestigious institutions and significant contributions to medical imaging research.

Subsequently, the visitors shared insights into their respective institutions' endeavours in medical imaging and artificial intelligence. Professor Jie Yang emphasized the robust research infrastructure and collaborations with leading hospitals at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad 'Athif Faudzi elaborated on collaborative opportunities in healthcare and robotics at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Moreover, Dr. Hassan Shahzad shed light on ongoing efforts to establish a Shanghai University Innovation Centre at Islamabad, highlighting the potential for fruitful collaborations.

Additionally, the In-charge CUI Islamabad Campus presented a briefing on the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) in Pakistan. Discussions revolved around scholarship opportunities for CUI faculty members and students pursuing PhDs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Positive responses were received from Professor Yang regarding the availability of scholarships offered by the Chinese Government. Plans were made to streamline the collaboration process between CUI and the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition. Furthermore, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering expressed interest in establishing a robotics program and lab within the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at CUI. Proposals were made for faculty exchange programs between CUI and University Technology Malaysia to facilitate collaboration.

Professor Yang extended Post-Doc opportunities to CUI faculty members, enhancing collaborative prospects. Professor Asghar expressed gratitude for the offer, further cementing the burgeoning partnership. He urged the Head of the International Office to pursue collaboration opportunities and MoUs with NCP, CAIRO and the Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Emphasis was placed on collaborative activities over MoUs to expedite the process and ensure effective partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a visit to the HAIER-CUI International Smart Education Experience Centre for a detailed presentation about NCAI and at the Junaid Zaidi Library, symbolizing the beginning of a promising partnership. Group photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion.