PENANG, 23 June 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the School of Educational Studies (PPIP) today has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Republic of Maldives to collaborate with the ministry in providing its expertise in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

USM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said through the collaboration, USM will contribute experts to facilitate ICT teaching and learning in the primary and secondary schools in Maldives.

“The purpose of this cooperation is to allow USM to mobilise its expertise in integrating ICT learning in the school syllabus in search of the best learning method for school students that are increasingly focused on the information technology gateway.

“The joint venture does not only focus on expertise in the field of information technology but will also be extended to other fields such as medicine and science,” said Omar.

For the MoU, Omar signed on behalf of USM witnessed by the Dean of PPIP, Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed while the Education Ministry, Republic of Maldives, was represented by its minister Dr. Asim Ahmed.

Omar added that the experience that we have will be shared and expanded to other countries such as Maldives to make research more relevant in the future.

Meanwhile, Asim said his ministry would focus on the establishment of the Education Learning Assessment Centre which can improve the quality of learning and percentage of school enrolment in Maldives.

"The cooperation that exists since 2007 saw an increasing number of Maldivian students in USM and with the signing of this understanding, it is hoped that more students will have the opportunity of studying in the university in particular and Malaysia in general," said Asim, who is on an official visit in Penang since last Friday.

The five areas covered in this MoU are professional development, organising short courses, exchange of academic programmes, sharing of expertise and the development of higher education by both parties.

The signing ceremony which was held in the Chancellory Conference Room USM was also attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, Prof. Dato' Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal and also members of the University Management Committee. -- Text: Nor Rafizah Md Zain/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Mohamad Danial Shahri/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe