MoU with USIM for joint research and educational collaboration

UTAR and USIM will work closely to promote collaboration

UTAR and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 25 January 2022 via Microsoft Teams to initiate collaboration between both parties.

The signatories for the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and USIM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ridza bin Wahiddin. Witnessing the signing ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and USIM Registrar Dato’ Muhammad Haizuan Rozali.

In his remark at the ceremony, Prof Ewe said, “UTAR is indeed pleased with this collaboration that will enhance the learning experience of our students through the initiative of exchange of students as well as staff. This initiative will undoubtedly improve students’ learning experiences because they will be exposed to a new way of learning, meet new people and grow as individuals. It is an excellent way for students to broaden their horizons.” 

He continued, “Under this MoU, UTAR and USIM will initiate joint research and development projects. I believe that joint collaborative research has the potential to exchange ideas across disciplines to maximise the research’s impact. I am glad that both parties have agreed to explore possible collaborations to conduct joint workshops and training programmes to inspire students and staff to learn something new or refine their existing skills. Aside from that, UTAR and USIM will work together to initiate joint education programmes and to collaborate in publication to answer complex scientific questions and expand the breadth of research. I am feeling hopeful and optimistic that this MoU will promote mutual understanding and cooperation which will lead to more interesting and mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ridza during his speech

On the other hand, Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ridza said that the MoU signified the beginning of a mutually beneficial collaboration between both parties. “USIM, over the past five decades, has earned its own place by providing the highest quality of education for our citizens. Our vision for continued excellence is to invest even more resources to enhance knowledge and foster wide-ranging research efforts to meet the new challenges in this new post-pandemic era, maximising new opportunities for the benefit of mankind. No single university, no matter how large or well endowed, can address future challenges by itself. In this era of globalisation and interdependence, cooperative partnership with other institutions of academic excellence around the globe is not an option, but a necessity.”

He added, “This Mou between USIM and UTAR, is not only an excellent example of the strength of cooperation between our institutions, but it is also a clear indicator that our institutions recognise the importance of the advancement of qualified engineering and architectural professionals in the built environment field. Thus, the signing of this MoU today symbolises a partnership that we believe will lead to many new joint research initiatives that produce new synergies and add academic value for both USIM and UTAR in the years ahead. Needless to say, today’s collaboration is timely for us as educators because we play an important role in equipping our future generations with the essential skills needed to excel in their careers and their lives.”

The signing ceremony ended with a group photography session.

Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamed Ridza (left) and Prof Ewe represented their respective institutions to sign the MoU