DOHA, QATAR, 3 March 2014 - The success of a university depends on its highly skilled and knowledgeable human capital besides acquiring the right attitude to changes in the working environment.

Recognising this fact, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the Centre for Innovation and Productivity in Public Administration (PIPPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar University.

Through this agreement, USM and Qatar University will cooperate in the supply and development of training programmes to non-academic staff and professionals in both of these organisations.

The Agreement also allows both parties to share their respective areas of expertise, not only for the university’s importance but also as a contribution to the agenda of higher education in Malaysia and Qatar.

The MoU was signed by USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman and Qatar University President Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad. Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr. Muhamad Jantan, USM Dean of the School of Computer Sciences Professor Dr. Ahamad Tajudin Khader, PIPPA Director Dr. Musa Ali, Qatar University Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Mazen Hasna and principal officers of the Qatar University.

Sheikha Abdulla said in her speech that USM had helped Qatar University, especially the academia, because there are many USM alumni now serving as academic staff at the university.

“I am very grateful to USM for having produced many high quality graduates who are now contributing their expertise in the fields of teaching and research at our university, such as the College of Pharmacy where a number of young academics are USM alumni,” said Sheikha Abdulla.

She also gave a commitment of the university's management in ensuring the success of the strategic partnership which is agreed upon in the agreement.

Meanwhile Omar also expressed gratitude to Qatar University and is willing to enhance cooperation in other areas such as in the exchange of students, faculty and research staff.

“This cooperation is also seen as an effort to widen USM cooperation internationally and position itself in looking for new strategic partners for academic development and research, particularly in Qatar and the Middle East,” said Omar.

Omar also invited the Qatar University President and her top management to make return visit to USM campus this year to see for themselves the achievements of USM as Malaysia’s first APEX university.

Qatar University, established in 1973, is the first national university in Qatar. It currently has more than 8,000 undergraduate students and graduate students at its seven Colleges offering Arts and Sciences; Business and Economy; Education; Engineering; Law; Pharmacy; Syariah and Islamic Studies. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photos: Tan Ewe Hoe