PENANG, 2 October 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) expanded its international relations through an academic collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universität Leipzig, Germany.

Through the three-year agreement, USM School of Educational Studies (PPIP) and the Faculty of Education, Universität Leipzig agreed to collaborate in initiatives that bring benefits to both the institutions, including academic development, staff and student exchanges, joint research, joint research grant application and curriculum development.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman who signed the MoA on behalf of USM said that the collaboration contributes to USM internationalisation efforts through the development of cross-discipline and cross-boundaries educational programmes.

"In addition, internationalisation of research can also be done through participation and organisation of international seminars and conferences, research papers presentation, production of scientific papers that are published in high impact journals and various research activities through international collaborations," Omar said in his welcome speech.

He hoped that this collaboration is not limited to the education field only, but also extends to other areas such as innovations, exchange of knowledge and culture between Germany and Malaysia.

Universität Leipzig was represented by the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Dr. Anatoli Rakhkochkine.

According to him, the MoA provided a formal and firm tangible foundation for sustainable collaboration between USM and Universität Leipzig and he is proud to be able to work with USM, the first APEX University in Malaysia.

"I am confident that with USM expertise particularly among the PPIP educators and researchers, and also members of the faculty, this collaboration will benefit both universities as well as both countries, Germany and Malaysia in the long term," said Rakhkochkine.

The MoA also aims to mobilise a special project entitled "Pupils’ Diversity and Success in Science Education in Germany and Malaysia: A Question of Religion, Gender and Talent" which will be jointly implemented by PPIP and the Faculty of Education, Universität Leipzig researchers.

The project also highlights the best practices of both countries in the development of their educational system in terms of religion, gender, and talents of their students.

The MoA signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2-week visit of faculty members and graduate students of the Faculty of Education, Universität Leipzig to USM to understand more about the Malaysian educational system and the cultural diversity in Malaysia.

Also present were the Dean of PPIP Professor Dato' Abdul Rashid Mohamed, faculty members and postgraduate students of USM and Faculty of Education, Universität Leipzig. - Translation & Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa