MACC, USM Ink MoU To Empower IPT Anti-corruption, Integrity Agenda

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic cooperation on the anti-corruption agenda and the cultivation of integrity, particularly within institutions of higher learning.

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman said the collaboration will focus on capacity building, joint specialised training, the conduct of scientific research, and the sharing of empirical data to analyze corruption trends and the effectiveness of governance.

He added that this partnership between the enforcement agency and a leading national university also marks a new chapter in the development of academic modules, research studies, and the implementation of high-impact awareness programmes.

“MACC views this collaboration as an ideal platform to integrate academic expertise with enforcement capabilities, fostering a transparent organisational ecosystem.

“This MoU is more than just a symbolic corporate partnership, it represents a concrete manifestation of both parties' steadfast commitment to building a more robust anti-corruption defence,” he said during the graduation ceremony for the Certified Professional in Integrity Assurance and Management (CPIAM) 2026 programme, held in conjunction with the MoU signing at the university’s conference hall here today.

Azmi and MACC Penang director, Datuk Ahmad Nizam Ismail signed for MACC, while USM was represented by its vice-chancellor, Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, and legal advisor, Datuk Dr. Khairul Anuar Che Azmi.

The signing was witnessed by USM School of Management dean, Prof. Dr. Hasliza Abdul Halim, and the President of the Association of Certified Integrity Officers (ACeIO), Datuk Ahmad Sabri Mohamed.

In this regard, Azmi reminded the graduates that the professional certification they have earned carries a significant responsibility, it serves as both a ‘weapon’ and a ‘shield’ in the effort to break the cycle of misconduct.

He emphasised that the fight against corruption requires a ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach, necessitating the active participation of every institution.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman noted that the CPIAM programme is effective in practically building and strengthening integrity within an organisation.

“A culture of integrity, cultivated as early as on campus, can produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess the courage to reject corruption.”

"Continue your efforts to contribute to governance and the cultivation of a culture of integrity in Malaysia," he said.

At the event, 44 graduates received the CPIAM 2026 professional certificate through the sixth series of a certification programme developed by the USM School of Management in collaboration with ACeIO since 2023 which has, to date, produced over 150 competent professionals from public and private agencies nationwide.

-- BERNAMA