GUANGZHOU, CHINA, 13 May 2017 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Humanities (PPIK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malay Language Department, Faculty of Asian Languages and Culture (FALC), Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GUFS) in Guangzhou, China.

The MoU was signed in conjunction with the opening of the Seminar on Malay-Chinese Translation, Languages and Culture, organised by the Translation and Interpretation Research Unit (UniTI), PPIK USM and the Malay Language Department, FALC GUFS.

With this MoU, both universities will seek to enhance cooperation in the areas of teaching and learning, research and publications in the field of Malay Studies and Malay Language.

The MoU was signed by Professor Dr. Narimah Samat, the Dean of PPIK representing the USM Vice-Chancellor and Professor Dr. Yang Minsheng, the Dean of FALC representing the GUFS President.

The two-day seminar, from 13-14 May 2017 has succeeded in compiling 45 working papers from Malaysian and Chinese presenters, discussing topics on interactions between Malay-Chinese civilisations through activities such as translation, language and culture.

The objectives of the seminar include:

i) to explore and discuss issues and activities relating to Malay-Chinese translation, languages and cultures;

ii) to provide an avenue for researchers and enthusiasts in various disciplines relating to Malay-Chinese to share new findings, knowledge and experiences in their respective fields, and

iii) to formulate a resolution towards ensuring a sustainable interaction between Malay-Chinese civilisations.

Also present were the Chairholder for Malay Studies in China, Dato' Dr. Awang Sariyan; Consul-General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, Mr. Muzambli Markam and the Coordinator of UniTI PPIK USM, Associate Professor Dr. Goh Sang Seong.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin