USM, PENANG, 28 April 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (UNTIRTA) Indonesia to enhance cooperation in areas of research and student exchange.

The Rector of UNTIRTA, Professor Dr. Hj. Sholeh Hidayat said that, the mobility of students and also staff from USM to UNTIRTA to be involved in research and bringing innovation would help to improve the economy of the local community in the Banten District, especially in the fields of Engineering, Economics, Social Science and Education.

“UNTIRTA has decided to collaborate with USM due to USM’s advanced and world-class capability and facilities which is able to assist us in realising our dreams to produce various innovations especially in the related fields,” he said in his speech during the MoA signing ceremony at the USM Banquet Hall.

 

He added that, UNTIRTA is fascinated with the innovations produced by USM and truly welcomes USM students and staff to share their experiences, scholarly information, research outcomes and also academic publications.

Meanwhile, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said that the collaboration was aimed at providing benefits to both institutions through the exchange of students and staff to inspire innovations in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and even Social Science.

“70% of the USM lecturers have the expertise in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering, and USM would always remain as an institution focusing on these fields. I also hoped that this collaboration would expand further the knowledge and skills in these fields,” explained Omar.

Also present at the ceremony were the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Deputy Rector for Collaborations UNTIRTA, Professor Dr. Ir. Kartina Am; Director of International Mobility and Career Centre (IMCC), Dr. Muhizam Mustafa and Director of Pusat Transformasi Insan (PTI), Associate Professor Dato' Al'-Ustaz Haji Ellias bin Zakaria.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Text: Aishah Hanis Azmi (Pelajar Internship USM) / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa