PENANG, 18 August 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the School of Humanities (SoH) today continued collaboration with Songkhla Rajabhat University (USR), Thailand, through the inking of another Memorandum of Understanding in order to benefit on both parties, especially in Malay Language Studies.

“We have signed Memorandums of Understanding with a number of universities in Thailand before, but this time the agreement is quite special because it is the starting point for the development of the Bahasa Melayu,” says SoH Dean, Associate Professor Dr Hajar Abdul Rahim in her welcoming remarks.

She also said that this agreement will create cooperation between the two parties in an effort to expand Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) here or in Thailand besides getting acquainted with the administration of the university here.

“I sincerely hope that this agreement will provide long-term benefits for all of us and also in the future,” she said.

A total of 16 delegates from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences were present, including Hasnida Samaon who is a USM Alumni.

“We are of the opinion that the Bahasa Melayu should be developed and studied by all SRU students.

“Therefore, we want to make Malay as one programme at SRU," said SRU Vice-President, Research & International Affairs, Dr Pawika Boonyapipap.

Hasnida, 32, who is also a lecturer at SRU said she was hoping that this MoU will benefit the students in learning and understanding Bahasa Melayu better.

“Before this, Malay study in our universities is limited to electives and minor but through this agreement we hope to create a new major to study Bahasa Melayu at SRU soon,” she said.

“For future planning, students studying Bahasa Melayu as their major will study in USM for a few semesters and continue the rest of their studies in Thailand,” Hasnida added. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Nur Atiqah Dalbadalsa Merican/Photo: Mina Seifi