MoU signing ceremony for PHEIL Consortium

Ybrs Prof Dr Azlinda (middle) with Prof Dato’ Ewe (seated, most right) and other university representatives

In an effort to jointly establish a consortium that will optimise library and information services, seven private higher education institutions (PHEIs), namely UCSI Education Sdn Bhd, HELP University Sdn Bhd, the International Center for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), UTAR, Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd and Multimedia University (MMU) came together to sign a memorandum of understanding on 7 February 2024 at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Ybrs Prof Dr Azlinda binti Azman, the Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education. The signatory representing UTAR at the event was UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat. He was accompanied by UTAR Vice President Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Division of Strategy and Performance Measurement Director Prof Dr Zuraidah binti Abd Manaf and Mary KUOK Pick Hoo Library Director Ms Ang Suan Sim. Also present were representatives from other parties.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (seated, most right) during the signing ceremony

The purpose of the MoU was to establish the Private Higher Education Institutions Library Consortium (PHEIL Consortium) which will function as a platform for PHEIs to collaborate in the area of library and information services. The PHEIL Consortium aims to optimise library and information services by fostering cooperation, resource sharing, and cost-effective strategies.

Upon signing the MoU, the involved parties will also establish collaboration to negotiate the reasonable and cost-effective price of the commercial database as a consortium; conduct an exchange of information including the exchange of library materials and research publication; explore the possibility of jointly developing and conducting any library-related events, workshops, and training; and explore other possible areas of collaboration for the mutual benefits.

The event marked the officialisation of the collective efforts of the involved parties to enhance library and information services in private higher education institutions.

Ybrs Prof Dr Azlinda (middle) and Prof Dato’ Ewe (third from right) with other representatives from UCSI, HELP University, INCEIF, UNIRAZAK, UTAR, Wawasan Open University and MMU