USM, PENANG, 27 August 2018 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thu Dau Mot University (TDMU), Vietnam in paving the way for strategic collaboration especially in the field of Halal Tourism research.

This collaborative effort between USM and TDMU is also aimed at establishing cooperation to develop, support and enrich future research activities and educational programmes as part of the internationalisation agenda for both institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail said, the topic of Halal Tourism is very timely and appropriate, especially with the current growth of Halal Tourism globally, more so in Vietnam. 

“As an APEX University, we lead in making our research innovations and solutions accessible to help the society, especially the poor and the marginalised,” she said.

Asma also expressed her confidence that the MoU signed will provide both institutions with a channel to work more closely together to reach the common goal of internationalising education.

She added: “Both institutions can now look forward to more joint collaborations in research, publications, training and many other related areas. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite students and staff of TDMU to pursue PhD programmes here in Penang.”

“This collaboration also supports the exchange of students in encouraging knowledge transfer exercise between both universities. As such, I am certain that this MoU will also provide an invaluable international experience, which will better equip graduates for leadership positions in an increasingly globalised world.”

At the signing ceremony, TDMU was represented by their Vice-President, Professor Hoang Trong Quyen. Also present were the Head of USM Sustainable Tourism Research Cluster (STRC), Professor Dr. Badaruddin Mohamed and the Director of TDMU South East Asia Urbanisation Research Programme – Strategic Planning Development Institute, Professor Nguyen Min Hoa and the top management from both USM and TDMU.

Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias