PENANG, 24 January 2016 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continued to spread its wings across the globe with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran’s University of Science and Culture (USC).

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said, through this agreement, both universities would establish an academic and research collaboration in science and culture, especially in petroleum engineering technology and tourism management.

"In addition, USM and USC also have some world-renowned researchers and professors, and I see this MoU as an opportunity for both institutions to work together towards the bridging of knowledge between local scientists and Iranian researchers, resulting in the creation and transfer of new knowledge and sharing of expertise in mutually identified areas.

“I strongly believe too that this partnership will yield outcomes that will further strengthen the ties between USM and USC and also between Malaysia and Iran that will ultimately contribute towards the betterment of humanity,” he said in his opening address before the signing ceremony here recently.

Omar and USC Research and Technology Vice-President Assistant Professor Dr. Azizollah Jafari signed the MoU, witnessed by USM School of Humanities (PPIK) Dean Associate Professor Dr. Narimah Samat and USC Faculty of Humanities Deputy Dean of Education Assistant Professor Dr. Hasan Sheybani.

Omar also hoped that there will be more intense exchange of lecturers and students between both sides, as USM continually look forward to receiving more Iranian students to pursue their higher education at its campuses.

There is currently a total of 201 students from Iran who are pursuing their postgraduate studies in various programmes at USM, making the Iranian students among the largest group of international students studying in the university.

Meanwhile Azizollah was optimistic that this agreement would further strengthen the relationship in terms of higher education and research between Malaysia and Iran.

"Through this relationship, USC could benefit from USM in terms of knowledge transfer in specific areas of expertise where USC does not have such expertise," he said.

He added that USC will continue to work closely with USM and hoped this agreement would pave the way for closer ties between the two institutions in the future.

Also present at the signing ceremony were former Dean of PPIK Associate Professor Dr. Hajar Abdul Rahim and eight members of USC delegates.

At the same event, USM’s School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) also signed a collaborative agreement (CA) with builders PU Profile Sdn Bhd.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Photos: Zamani Abd. Rahim