USM PENANG, 15 August 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Songkhla Rajabhat University, Thailand recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with regard to academic development and cultural exchange among students.

The MoU was signed by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat and President of Songkhla Rajabhat University, Associate Professor Dr. Tusana Sirichote. The Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rutchapong Chatchawan and Dean of USM School of Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Jasni Sulong were there to witness the signing of the MoU.

 

According to Narimah, “This is a very memorable event. We signed the first MoU back in 2018 and various activities have been carried out between the two institutions. We continued with backpackers programme which involved tourism students from Rajabhat University in 2019. It was such a memorable event for the students.”

She added, “When I visited the universities a few months ago, we mentioned about doing research on across the border tourism. Fortunately, we managed to secure a place to conduct the research in USM regarding the border tourism.”

Later at the event, Narimah and Tusana, together with delegates from both universities, discussed on proposed activities for students from the two institutions. The activities could provide the students with valuable insights and experience.

One upcoming programme will involve Bahasa Melayu and Geography undergraduates from the USM School of Humanities, as part of achieving the main purpose of this MoU. The language barrier faced by the participants in the previous programme has led Narimah to include language students to experience the informal learning method through cultural-based activities.

“We hope that the continuation of this collaboration will enrich our students, for them to develop new skills through their participation in the activities which have been lined up.

"On behalf of the university, I would like to express my appreciation to the President and the team for coming all the way from Thailand and attending this signing ceremony,” said Narimah further.

This newly-signed collaboration initiates student activities as means to represent the diversity of both Malaysian and Thai cultures.

The MoU signing ceremony was held with the aim to expand collaborative research between the two institutions and to enhance the educational experience among the students from both institutions.

Others present include key officials from both universities.

Text: Adlin Aina Jamaludin (MPRC intern)/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Shamil Shazwan Abu Bakar