PENANG, 5 November 2017 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), India that will pave the way for a strategic collaboration between both institutions in the area of pharmaceutical sciences research and education.

The MoU will allow both the USM School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and DPSRU to work closely on: 

• Establishing an undergraduate pharmacy academic programme that is mutually recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia and India;
• Conducting short and long-term mobility programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and academic staffs from both universities. The mobility project includes the industry training in India for Bachelor of Pharmacy students from USM;
• Initiating partnership and collaborative work in research and postgraduate studies which includes joint research and development programmes, joint supervision, joint research grant initiatives, exchange of publication and joint research projects in the common areas of interest;
• Organising joint workshops and training programmes in respective area of expertise;
• Offering consultation services for the existing instruments and expertise currently available at the institution.

USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, in his welcoming speech representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, said the University was delighted to sign the MoU.

“It is a privilege for USM School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, being the oldest Pharmacy School in the country with a history spanning 45 years and has produced 40% of the pharmacists in the country, to work with such a reputed Pharmacy School in India like DPSRU.

“I believe that this MoU will further enhance the bilateral academic and research exchanges between both parties, and in the process strengthening the relationship and friendship between both institutions,” said Ahmad Farhan.

DPSRU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ramesh K. Goyal, in his first visit to Malaysia and Penang, was equally delighted to sign the MoU with USM, citing that USM Pharmacy School was chosen because it is the oldest Pharmacy School in Malaysia and has a very good and proven track record.

“This collaboration augurs well for DPSRU as it allows DPSRU to expand especially in terms of conducting and offering new academic programmes in pharmaceutical sciences with another institution abroad,” added Ramesh. 

DPSRU is the first university in India and second in the world exclusively dedicated to pharmaceutical research and sciences.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa