USM, PENANG, 31 March 2017 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Bournemouth University (BU), United Kingdom recently organised the Global Festival of Learning which represents a wonderful celebration of learning at the Dewan Budaya here.

The Festival was aimed at showcasing USM’s and BU’s partnership across relevant fields of research, academic and expertise which include the local community, academics, staff, students, NGOs and alumni.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, in her welcoming speech, said the world comprises of people from different cultures, mind-sets, and behaviours and it is very important for us to learn and understand these differences and its impact on our future to make this world a better place to live in.

“I hope this festival will be a starting point for the BU and USM collaboration in knowledge sharing or co-learning and co-creating, as we look forward for more collaborations in the future,” she said.

Asma also hoped that this festival will not only allow both sides to showcase and disseminate their research, education and practice on a global stage but also their achievements, as well as to encourage new thinking and nurture creativity and innovation.

BU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Dr. Sonal Minocha said, “what we have started today is a movement, not just a geographical mobility but a basis of future intellectual mobility, cultural mobility, and one that will bind today’s generations as future global talents.”

Founding Director of the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF), Dato’ Dr. Morshidi Sirat delivered the keynote address entitled ‘Global Education as a Global Enterprise for North-South Understanding in a Highly Divisive World’.

Also present representing BU were Associate Dean (Global Engagement), Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Dr. Malcolm Mclver; Manager, International Partnerships Development, Dr. Alastair Morrison; 34 students and staff while USM was represented by the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman.

Some 400 USM staff and students packed the hall, where they were all treated to a silat (the Malay art of self-defence) demonstration and traditional dances. There was also a poster exhibition by USM/BU students, USM research centres, and local NGOs.

Text: Evelyn Esu Dass (Intern, USM School of Communication)