SHARJAH, Oct 20 – Representatives from Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), visited the University of Sharjah (UoS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to advance discussions on dual degree programmes, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2024.
Strengthening the Partnership Foundation
This visit marks the transition from MoU signing to the development of dual degree programmes between MJIIT and UoS. The delegation, led by Dean of MJIIT Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurulakmar Abu Husain, included Academic Manager, External Program Dr. Syarifah Zyurina Nordin, Postgraduate Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Pauziah Mohamad, Undergraduate Programme Coordinator Dr. Zatul Alwani Shaffie and Student Development Coordinator Dr. Mohd Fitri Yakub.
UoS’s top management, including Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Yousef Haik and Dean of the College of Engineering Dato’ Prof. Abdul Wahab Mohammad, warmly received the delegation. Both sides’ comprehensive representation showed a strong commitment to academic collaboration.
From MoU to Action:Developing Dual Degree Programmes
The October visit aimed to turn the July 2024 MoU framework into concrete dual-degree programme offerings. Both parties discussed programme structure, curriculum alignment and operational mechanisms for successful joint academic pathways.
The meeting focused on the development of a Dual Degree Programme Design, where both teams explored models that would enable students to benefit from the distinctive educational strengths of both institutions. The proposed plan would allow students to pursue their studies at MJIIT in Kuala Lumpur and UoS in Sharjah, earning degrees from both universities upon completion.
Discussions also centred on on identifying suitable engineering disciplines and specializations that align with the expertise of both universities. With Dato’ Prof. Abdul Wahab Mohammad and the College of Engineering management team in attendance, the team deliberated on selecting complementary fields to ensure the dual degree programmes offer maximum academic and professional value to students.
In addition, Dr. Syarifah Zyurina Nordin, Academic Manager for External Programme, led the discussion on academic pathway and credit transfer. The session focused on developing clear academic structures, including course equivalencies, transfer mechanisms, and quality assurance standards to maintain high academic integrity and a seamless learning experience.
Building on Shared Vision and Complementary Strength
The partnership builds on each institution’s unique strengths. MJIIT offers a Japanese-influenced engineering model, strong industry ties and a focus on global competitiveness. The UoS provides excellent engineering education.
Prof. Yousef Haik highlighted the UoS’s commitment to international partnerships for academic quality and student opportunities. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs noted that the dual degree programme would help Malaysian and Middle Eastern students access diverse education.
Dean Nurulakmar Abu Husain said MJIIT is eager to deepen its partnership with UoS. The collaboration is a strategic move to broaden MJIIT’s international presence and offer students world-class educational experiences.
Concrete Steps Forward
Following the productive discussions, both institutions agreed to establish joint working committees to prepare detailed proposals for selected engineering disciplines, develop timelines for launching the first dual degree cohort, and design coordinated marketing strategies to attract top-performing students.
Looking Ahead
MJIIT and the UoS are committed to launching dual-degree programmes in the next academic cycle, strengthening educational ties between Malaysia and the UAE and shaping engineering talent to address global challenges.
Once operational, the dual degree programmes will give students top international exposure, cross-cultural skills, credentials recognized in Asia and the Middle East, and access to networks spanning both regions.
Source: UTM NewsHub
