By Bazli Razak and Siti Sarah Ahmad Zubdi
TANJONG MALIM, 16 April, 2026 — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Appbooks Sdn. Bhd., South Korea-based Appmedia Inc., and Sahmyook University in a strategic effort to enhance the development of interactive digital modules for the education sector.
UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Suriani Abu Bakar, said the collaboration reflects the university’s commitment to expanding partnerships with industry players and academic institutions at the international level.
She noted that the initiative focuses on the development and enhancement of the Interactive Bahasa Melayu E-Module.
“This module is specifically designed to support Year 4 pupils, in line with the Year 4 Learning Matrix Approach, which emphasises holistic, competency-based, and meaningful learning,” she said during her speech at the ceremony held at Scholar’s Suites, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, recently.
Dr. Suriani added that the initiative also reflects UPSI’s commitment to supporting national education priorities while driving innovation in digital learning.
“This collaboration is not solely focused on content development, but also represents a scholarly effort to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of digital education technology to ensure it delivers a meaningful impact on the learning process.
She described the collaboration as a significant step in strengthening the university’s research and innovation agenda, particularly in the field of education digitalisation.
“This initiative has the potential to be expanded at the national level and serve as an international reference in digital module development, while supporting the nation’s education digitalisation agenda.
She further noted that the collaboration also reinforces the role of UPSI’s National Institute for Creative Education (NiCE) as a leader in digital education innovation.
“When universities and industry work hand in hand, we can create a more responsible research ecosystem and ensure that every project objective is achieved with the highest quality,” she added.
Meanwhile, Appbooks Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director Mohd Musyaffa’ Mohd Fadzin described the collaboration as a significant initiative in advancing the future of Bahasa Melayu education, particularly in early literacy.
He said the involvement of Sahmyook University as a strategic research partner contributes global perspectives, research expertise, and international benchmarking, while Appmedia Inc. plays a crucial role in strengthening technological aspects and innovation implementation.
According to him, the study titled “Empowering Early Literacy through Digital Pedagogy: The Design and Impact of a Neoteric Interactive e-Module for Malay Language Learning”, conducted by UPSI academics, focuses on developing early literacy through innovative digital pedagogical approaches.
“Early literacy forms the foundation of a student’s entire educational journey. Therefore, approaches at this stage must be engaging, interactive, easy to understand, and capable of fostering students’ interest and confidence from the very beginning,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sahmyook University Vice President, Prof. Dr. Kyunghyun Suh, described the collaboration as an important platform for connecting international expertise to advance digital education innovation.
“This collaboration opens up opportunities for knowledge sharing, joint research, and the development of high-impact education models at the global level,” he said.
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