Al-Mustaqbal University and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Strengthen Global Academic Partnership through Joint Master’s Thesis Defense Babylon – Official Media In a significant scientific milestone reflecting the international presence of Iraqi universities within the global research landscape, Al-Mustaqbal University (UOM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully conducted a joint international thesis defense for the Master’s Program in Electronic Systems Design Engineering. This program is hosted at Al-Mustaqbal University in collaboration with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at USM. The sessions commenced on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM Iraq time (2:30 PM Malaysia time), featuring a specialized committee of professors from both prestigious institutions. This collaborative model bridges the international research expertise of USM with the growing scientific influence of Al-Mustaqbal University, fostering integration in modern engineering and smart technologies. Featured Research: AI and IoT Integration The defense included a presentation by the Master’s student: Mohamed Saad Obaid Al-Yassari Thesis Title: “Simulation and Hardware Implementation of an AI-Driven Smart Parking System with Secure IoT Integration” The research addresses a vital pillar of the global digital transformation: the design and implementation of intelligent parking management systems. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the study emphasizes secure data connectivity—a critical challenge for modern smart cities aiming to reduce congestion and optimize urban resource management. The International Defense Committee The discussion was conducted by an elite panel of researchers and academics: • Supervisor (Iraq/Al-Mustaqbal University): Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamza Mohammed Ridha Al-Khafaji. • Supervisor (Malaysia/USM): Dr. Suhardi Azliy Junoh. • Examiner (Iraq/Al-Mustaqbal University): Prof. Dr. Mehdi Ebady Manaa. • Examiner (Malaysia/USM): Dr. Mohd Shahrimie Mohd Asaari. • Committee Chairman (Malaysia/USM): Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fadzli Mohd Salleh. The committee from Al-Mustaqbal University participated via a direct electronic link through the WEBEX platform, demonstrating the program's flexibility and its ability to maintain rigorous academic standards across borders. Presidential Support and Strategic Vision The session received direct attention from the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hasan Shaker Majdi, who attended the opening presentation. He praised the successful research efforts of both the student and the supervisors, highlighting this achievement as a testament to the university's commitment to academic excellence. Impact and Future Horizons This partnership confirms that the collaboration between Al-Mustaqbal University and USM has become a vital scientific pathway for preparing postgraduates capable of producing applied research in specialized fields such as Cybersecurity, AI, and Smart Systems. By internationalizing its postgraduate programs, Al-Mustaqbal University continues to enhance the standing of Iraqi researchers in the global arena, ensuring that academic output meets the practical needs of society and aligns with the worldwide shift toward secure, data-driven digital infrastructures. Al-Mustaqbal University Media