JOHOR BAHRU, 3 March – Malaysia and Indonesia have each signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of higher education, aiming to strengthen cooperation in the education sector of both countries. Among other objectives, the MoU will further enhance educational cooperation between the two countries, enabling more Indonesian students to pursue their studies in Malaysia, while both parties can collaborate in research and student exchanges.

International-level educational cooperation will also incentivize the country’s higher education institutions (HEIs) to continue competing in offering quality study programs to attract more international students to their respective institutions.

“The collaboration between UTM and Bung Hatta University (UBH) spans over 25 years, involving initiatives such as the development of academic programs and joint research endeavors. Notably, UTM’s Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, has played a pivotal role in establishing the Diploma in Quantity Surveying program at UBH since 1998. Looking ahead, UTM and UBH aim to develop interdisciplinary academic programs and innovative research initiatives to support sustainable construction practices in Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi in his speech.

UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Ismail signed the MoU on behalf of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, while Universiti Bung Hatta was represented by Prof. Dr. Diana Kartika, Rector of Bung Hatta University.

“It is a source of pride for us at UBH that this collaboration is facilitated by UTM alumni who have become lecturers at UBH. Despite the presence of Covid-19, many collaborations and partnerships were postponed, but the longstanding relationship between the two universities remained unaffected. We hope that the signing of this MOU will further strengthen the relationship and enable us to collaborate even more diligently,” said Prof. Dr. Diana Kartika, the new Rector of Bung Hatta University.

The ceremony held in the Main Meeting Room was witnessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Prof Kherun Nita Binti Ali, and the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Bung Hatta University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Nasfryzal Carlo. Also present were delegations from Bung Hatta University and the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The MoU also includes strategic cooperation in the field of scientific research and talent training between the higher education institutions of the two countries, implementation of the exchange of academic staff, experts, and students between IPTs.

The results of these collaborative projects can also empower academic cooperation to a higher level through the Transnational Education (TNE) program, exchange of academic staff and students, research and publication collaboration in the field of architecture and civil engineering, joint organization of workshops and conferences, as well as expanding the involvement of other universities in the ASEAN region.

Source: UTM NewsHub