USM, PENANG, 21 January 2017 - The Keeper of the Key to the Kaaba today led a four-man delegation from Saudi Arabia on a courtesy visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The Saudi delegation comprised of Sheikh Saleh Zienalabdeen A Alshaibi, Abdulrahman Saleh Z Alshaybi, Shaikh Shahzad Iftikhar and Abdulhalim Shaikh.

On hand to receive the Saudi delegation was USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal and the university’s officials.

During the one hour meeting chaired by Ahmad Shukri, both parties exchanged views with regard to strengthening the existing relationship and cooperation between USM and Saudi Arabia.

Among the matters discussed were the Hajj Research, collaboration between USM Islamic Centre and the Saudis especially during the Ramadan month as well as the graduate degree programmes offered by the USM Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) and Islamic Studies offered by the School of Humanities.  

Among the USM officials present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Development Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein, Bursar Professor Dato' Dr. Abd Aziz Tajuddin, Ombudsman Professor Dato' Seri Md Salleh Yaapar, Dean of the School of Computer Sciences who is also the Hajj Research Principal Researcher Professor Dr. Ahamad Tajudin Khader, Dean of the School of Humanities Professor Dr. Narimah Samat, Director of the Islamic Centre Associate Professor Dr. Sofri Yahya, Deputy Director of the Islamic Centre Ustaz Md Yusof Abdul Rahim and Director of ISDEV Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa