USM, PENANG, 21 July 2016 - "Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and University of Ruhuna (UOR) Sri Lanka today would explore collaborative opportunities in higher education and research at the international level."

This was stated by the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dato' Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal in representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony today between both institutions.

Shukri said that, this ceremony would mark the starting point of collaborations, which should not only focus on the field of humanities but also in other areas in future endeavours.

"I believe this will generate new knowledge, disseminate goodwill and strengthen ties between institutions and nations that will ultimately contribute towards the betterment of humanity," he said.

Shukri also hoped that more students from Sri Lanka, more specifically UOR, would come to USM to pursue their studies further.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences UOR, Prof. S. Wawwage said that, he was highly impressed especially with the emphasis laid on joint efforts on hosting conferences, carrying out research, accommodating exchange programmes, and working on projects towards facing new challenges.

"This visit has given us confidence to go ahead with the joint ventures that are indicated in the MoU and we have also experienced the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and abilities of some of the key academics engaged in student-centred teaching which is being introduced in the training programme being conducted for us during our visit here," he mentioned.

Since 2010, 64 Sri Lankan students have undergone their studies at USM.

Also present at the ceremony were the Dean, USM School of Humanities, Professor Dr. Narimah Samat; Coordinator of Programme, UOR Department of Geography, Dr. GPTS Hemakumara; USM academician Professor Dr. Chan Ngai Weng, and other officers along with 6 students from UOR.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa