PENANG, 7 October 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) always maintain a close relationship with foreign universities to strengthen collaborations in specific areas. USM, through the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Gadjah Mada University (UGM) for sustainable development.

According to the Dean of HBP, Assoc. Professor Dr. Aldrin Abdullah, the collaboration encompasses various aspects for sustainable development such as seminars, conferences, ideas and expertise exchange.

“This is one of HBP efforts in placing the name of HBP at international level while sharing the expertise that we have at the same time,” he said.

The MoA signing ceremony was officiated by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal with the Dean from Faculty of Engineering UGM, Professor Ir. Panut Mulyono.

According to Panut, the signing of the MoA is something that UGM can be proud of.

“Through this agreement we would be cooperating for the progress of both universities as well as for the well being of the community in overcoming problems such as global warming and the use of renewable energy,” Panut added.

Ahmad Shukri said that USM and UGM have started the collaboration for quite some time and this is the first time that HBP was involved.

Through this MoA, it is hoped that the cooperation especially on sustainability in the built environment can be more focused and the results can later be measured and studied in detail. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa