USM, PENANG, 5 December 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen relations with Hiroshima University (HU) with the visit of a 16-member delegation from HU to the USM School of Educational Studies (PPIP) to participate in the International Students Colloquium 2016 here recently.

The colloquium serves as a platform in discussing issues on globalisation and sustainability which would be held for five days.

Advisor of the International Students Colloquium 2016, Professor Dato' Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed said, this programme would be beneficial to the participants as there would be the sharing of the latest ideas on global issues, the opportunity to improve on their communication skills using English, and also in building their self-confidence.

“This programme is not only focusing on academics and research, but in fact ‘opening doors’ towards learning and understanding the various cultures and way of life of societies from both countries, more so in advancing education and teaching practices,” he added in his speech when officiating the programme.

Also in the ceremony, USM signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) together with HU to further strengthen ties between both parties.

He explained further, the annual Forum involving students from both universities was held for the first time in 2012, and since then both universities would organise it every alternate year, between USM and HU.

Meanwhile, the Advisor of the Centre for International Cooperation in Education (CICE), Professor Dr. Tatsuya Kusakabe said, the opportunity to come to USM should be fully benefitted by the students from HU in seeking knowledge and expertise in the different areas studied.

“There are many experts in USM who could share their ideas and opinions especially in the field of technology as well as sustainability which has been the main focus at USM and this would be an advantage to the students of HU to further explore the available knowledge base and its strength,” he further said.

The programme was attended by 20 students from the USM Students’ Representative Council and 12 student representatives from HU. They would also be conducting field research around Penang.

Also present at the ceremony were the Dean, USM School of Educational Studies, Professor Dr. Hairul Nizam Ismail and Deputy Dean (Academic, Students and Alumni) of PPIP, Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin