USM, PENANG, 7 November 2016 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hadhramout Establishment for Human Development (HEHD) Yemen to strengthen, promote and develop a long-term academic collaboration in undergraduate and postgraduate education and research cooperation between both parties.

The USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail said that this MoU would look at the cooperation on matters pertaining to the admission of undergraduate and postgraduate students and also on research, development and innovation.

“I look forward to USM and HEHD engaging in a more detailed discussion the soonest possible to explore further on the potential academic and research endeavours that can benefit both parties and countries,” she said.

Asma signed the MoU on behalf of USM while HEHD was represented by the Chairman, HEHD Board of Trustees, Eng. Sheikh Abdullah A. Bugshan.

HEHD was established in 2006 to further develop the socio-economic conditions in Yemen, particularly the Hadhramout region, with the capacity in creating more educational opportunities for the people in the country.

Prior to signing the MoU documents, Asma gave a brief overview of the current and future higher education scenarios in Malaysia as well as an introduction to USM focussing on its academic and research achievements, and what it can offer to international students.

Among those who also attended the ceremony were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), Professor Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; Assistant Vice-Chancellor and USM Engineering Campus Director, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah; Liaison Officer (Malaysia) HEHD, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Omar Abdul Rahman; HEHD Members of the Board of Trustees; Director of USM International Collaboration Centre, Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong; Deans, Directors and principal officers of USM.

The ten-member HEHD delegation were also brought for a short tour of the USM Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) in the Main Campus here where they visited several high-end, well-equipped laboratories in the building.

INFORMM is one of the few research institutes to be awarded the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HiCoE) since 2010.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Tan Ewe Hoe

Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa