USM PENANG, 16 June 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was honoured to receive a courtesy visit from Her Excellency Chantal Moser, Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia; Her Excellency Silke Riecken-Daerr, Ambassador of Germany to Malaysia; and Dato’ Hans Brenner, Honorary Consul of Germany in Penang.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellory Building, USM.

Accompanying the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran; and several department heads.  

The meeting provided an invaluable platform to explore strategic collaborations in higher education, research, and international engagement.

Discussions centred on strengthening academic partnerships, fostering joint research initiatives, and enhancing student mobility programmes between USM and institutions in Switzerland and Germany.

This visit underscores USM’s commitment to expanding its global network, particularly within the European region, and reflects the university’s aspiration to nurture future-ready graduates with international exposure.

The presence of both ambassadors and the honorary consul highlights the importance of Malaysia–Europe academic diplomacy in advancing shared goals of innovation, sustainability, and knowledge exchange.

USM has long established itself as a hub for international collaboration, with active partnerships across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

The courtesy visit further reinforces the university’s role as a bridge for cross-cultural understanding and as a catalyst for impactful research collaborations that address global challenges.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa