News

In a significant academic milestone reflecting the growing presence of Iraqi universities in the global research landscape, Al-Mustaqbal University in Iraq, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), organized a series of international Master’s thesis defenses under the joint Master of Science in Electronics Systems Design Engineering (ESDE) program. This program is hosted at Al-Mustaqbal University in partnership with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at USM. The defenses commenced on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. (Iraq time) and 2:30 p.m. (Malaysia time), with the participation of a distinguished academic committee comprising experts from both institutions. These joint defenses represent an advanced model of cross-border academic collaboration, combining the international research expertise of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with the steadily expanding academic presence of Al-Mustaqbal University. This partnership contributes to strengthening institutional integration between Iraqi and Malaysian universities in the fields of modern engineering and intelligent technologies. The session included the presentation and defense of the Master’s thesis by student: Mohammed Saad Ubaid Al-Yasiri Entitled: “Simulation and Hardware Implementation of an AI-Driven Smart Parking System with Secure IoT Integration” The research addressed a critical topic within the global digital transformation agenda, focusing on the design, simulation, and implementation of an intelligent parking management system based on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), with particular emphasis on ensuring secure integration between devices and data. The significance of the study lies in its direct engagement with a real-world challenge faced by modern cities—namely, the efficient and secure management of parking and urban services. By leveraging intelligent systems, the research aims to optimize resource utilization, reduce congestion, and enhance the reliability of digital infrastructure. The topic is closely aligned with global trends in smart city development, where data-driven approaches, secure connectivity, and intelligent algorithms are central to public service management. The examination committee comprised a distinguished panel of academics and researchers from both universities: Supervisor (Al-Mustaqbal University – Iraq): Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamza Mohammed Ridha Al-Khafaji Supervisor (USM): Dr. Suhardi Azliy Junoh Examiner (Al-Mustaqbal University – Iraq): Prof. Dr. Mehdi Ebady Manaa Examiner (USM): Dr. Mohd Shahrimie Mohd Asaari Chair of the Committee (USM): AP. Dr. Mohd Fadzli Mohd Salleh Faculty members from Al-Mustaqbal University participated remotely via the Webex platform, demonstrating the flexibility of the international program and its capacity to conduct rigorous academic defenses in accordance with global standards. This academic event underscores that the collaboration between Al-Mustaqbal University and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has evolved into an effective pathway for preparing postgraduate students capable of producing applied research in specialized fields relevant to the future of technology—particularly electrical and electronic engineering, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems. The participation of faculty members from both institutions further highlights that contemporary scientific research transcends the boundaries of individual institutions, relying instead on integration, knowledge exchange, and the building of academic bridges. Such collaboration enhances the standing of Iraqi researchers within international academic environments and reinforces the capacity of Iraqi universities to engage in research initiatives aligned with the demands of the digital age. These thesis defenses also demonstrate the vital role of Master’s students in the ESDE program in generating applied knowledge directly relevant to societal needs, especially in the domains of smart cities and secure connected systems. Moreover, they reflect Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategic commitment to the internationalization of postgraduate programs, the strengthening of high-quality academic partnerships, and the expansion of research opportunities for its students within globally recognized institutions. The defense received direct attention from Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, who attended the opening presentation. He commended the research efforts of the student and supervisors, praising the successful completion of this distinguished academic work. Through this achievement, Al-Mustaqbal University continues to reinforce its academic presence both regionally and internationally by supporting high-quality programs that integrate academic rigor with practical application. These efforts contribute to preparing a new generation of researchers capable of addressing future challenges and developing technological solutions that serve society while aligning with the global transition toward smart cities and secure digital systems. #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals