USM PENANG, 5 May 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (SMBB) Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage in academic development and research collaboration.

More specifically, the MoU was meant to promote, develop and establish the research, education and training programmes cooperation in the following fields of;

• exchange of students and/or staff;
• joint academic programmes;
• joint research and development programmes;
• joint workshops and training programmes;
• exchange of publication; and
• any other academic linkages and cooperation that will be mutually identified and agreed by the parties from time to time.

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The MoU was signed through a virtual ceremony conducted using the Webex video conferencing platform here this afternoon.

Signing on behalf of USM was its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed and on behalf of SMBB Medical University was its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah.

Also present as witnesses were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat and SMBB Medical University Director of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Dr. Mir Hassan Khoso.

In his welcoming speech, Abdul Rahman gave a brief introduction and recent achievement about USM to SMBB Medical University representatives, focussing on USM championing the APEX cause and also sustainability efforts.

“I believe this collaboration will aspire and proceed smoothly, fruitfully and will bring beneficial outcomes for both sides especially in postgraduate studies, as I look forward to the successful implementation of our MoU,” said Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Nusrat Shah in her speech said, it is hoped that this MoU will bring opportunity to the disadvantaged students particularly in research and exchange programmes, as SMBB university is located in the suburban area.

“I am very proud to collaborate with USM, and I am confident that both parties could learn a lot from each other, as this MoU serves as a golden opportunity for both universities to further enhance their global standing,” she said.

Also present at the ceremony via Webex link were the IPS Dean, Professor Dr. Azlan Abdul Aziz; representative from USM Health Campus, USM School of Medical Sciences, Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Professor Dr. Irfan Mohamad and Deputy Dean for Academic and International, Professor Dr. Kamarul Aryffin Baharuddin; principal officers of SMBB Medical University and USM.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa