USM, PENANG, 9 October 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has pioneered the Co-Tutelle PhD Programme between public universities (UA) in Malaysia and Universite De Lorraine (UL) France since 1999, with the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2002 involving the USM School of Chemical Sciences.

The Dean, Professor Dr. Afidah Abdul Rahim said that, the academic collaboration included research efforts to be completed within a stipulated schedule, along with a Viva session either at USM or UL.

Afidah was the first candidate to graduate in early 2006.

At present, six candidates have graduated from the programme, with four of them serving as lecturers at USM, namely Professor Dr. Afidah Abdul Rahim, Dr. Noor Hana Hanif Abu Bakar and Dr. Mohd Hazwan Hussin all coming from the School of Chemical Sciences, while Dr. Tuti Katrina Abdullah is from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering.

According to Afidah, this programme has greatly benefitted both universities with respect to cost reductions with financial support from the French Embassy, joint publications in high-impact journals, training, exposure to quality research for students, development of future talents, continual collaborations and knowledge exchange on the latest technology.

“This Co-Tutelle Programme would be continued with the involvement of student candidates from other schools at USM such as the School of Industrial Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and School of Aerospace Engineering which are expected to send student candidates to UL,” explained Afidah.

Co-Tutelle is a Doctoral-level study programme involving joint-supervision by both universities involved in the programme and the graduates would be awarded two distinct degrees from the two respective universities.

Added Afidah, this is a unique programme where UL would provide training which is regarded as among the best, and thorough assistance in the career development of the candidates, in ensuring their employability.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin