JOHOR BAHRU, 22 June 2013 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman met the Chief Minister of Johor, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today to discuss future cooperation plans between USM and the Johor State Government.

"It would be good if USM can help in providing expertise for knowledge transfer in specific areas in community engagement," said Mohamed Khaled.

The friendly meeting with the former Minister of Higher Education also allows USM to collaborate in the development of Johor.

"This is a very meaningful meeting where USM was asked to submit proposals on strengthening the existing collaborations, such as the development of Endau Rompin and Gunung Ledang Forest Reserves which the School of Biological Sciences had previously established an understanding with the parties over there," said Omar.

He added that USM is also keen to collaborate in improving the skills and productivity of the public sector in Johor through training programmes in line with the desire of the Chief Minister to enhance the professional training programmes in Johor.

According to Omar, USM would like to be more involved in the community activities and the state's development, especially with the pool of more than 4,000 USM alumni in Johor. It is hoped that they can be mobilised to help the state government develop Johor. -- TEXT/PHOTO: Mohamad Abdullah/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe