UTAR and MACEE ink MoU for academic exchange and research

From left: Ms Nurit Einik, Mr Curtis Johson, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak at the MoU signing ceremony

The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UTAR on 10 August 2023 at the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Putrajaya. The event was graced by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak bin Jaafar.

Organised by MACEE, in partnership with MOHE and the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Malaysia, the MoU aimed to foster stronger ties between the MACEE and the public and private universities in Malaysia to create educational opportunities that will benefit students and academics from both sides. It also aimed to foster academic exchange opportunities between Malaysia and the United States through the Fulbright exchange programme. The MoU marked the initiation of a promising partnership, promoting academic and cultural exchange opportunities for students and faculties, research collaborations, and joint programmes.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong tat and MACEE Executive Director Mr Curtis Johnson. The signing was witnessed by Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak and U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur’s Public Diplomacy Officer Nurit Einik.

Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak commended the initiative, “This occasion marks a pivotal moment in our continued journey towards fostering educational excellence, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening international collaboration. Today, this MoU will embark on a path that will undoubtedly enrich the lives of students, scholars and educators. This partnership will serve as a bridge between Malaysia and the United States, further cementing the Fulbright programme as one of the premier exchange programmes in Malaysia through its 60 years of research collaboration, student/scholar mobility, and cultural exchange. By breaking down barriers and opening doors of opportunity, we aim to empower our young minds with the tools they need to shape a brighter tomorrow.”

Mr Curtis Johnson said, “I hope that through these collaborations, we will empower the next generation of Malaysian and American students and scholars to continue to embrace ‘Educational Diplomacy’ and continue to foster greater understanding between our nations through academic excellence.”

MACEE also signed an MoU with 10 other education institutions, namely Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Multimedia University, UCSI University, Nilai University, INTI International University and Colleges, and Southern University College.

Also present at the MoU ceremony were Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Department of Finance Head Dr Lim Boon Keong, Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Director Ms Ong Soo Weon and UTAR staff.

Ms Nurit Einik (fifth from left), Mr Curtis Johnson (sixth from left), Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar (middle), Prof Dato’ Ewe (fourth from right) and other Malaysian university representatives

Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar delivering his speech

Mr Curtis Johnson welcoming all participants at the MoU signing ceremony