USM PENANG, 19 September 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Academic and International Division has recently partnered with Middle Technical University (MTU) from Iraq to embark on a journey of academic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU signed on 14 September was meant to promote the exchange in the scientific and academic fields to conduct researches between universities and research centres; to activate the work of academics in the engineering and medical fields and the expansion of academic relations in the following areas:

• cooperation and participation in scientific projects carried out by academic members, experts, instructors and students from both parties;
• exchange of visits of academic members to share experiences and access to existing curricula and scientific laboratories;
• cooperation in joint supervision of graduate students for both parties;
• provide postgraduate study opportunities for the employees of each of the two parties in engineering, medical and administrative disciplines;
• provide the necessary facilities for postgraduate students to complete parts of their research work that require qualitative laboratories in the University of the other party;
• organise training courses for the employees of each of the two parties in engineering, medical and administrative disciplines (to be determined as needed during the duration of the memorandum);
• provide opportunities for academics and faculty members to participate in conferences, seminars, workshops, and international meetings for both universities.

Signing on behalf of USM was the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, while on behalf of MTU was the President, Professor Dr. Abdulmohsin Naji Mohaisen Al-Agele.

Also present to witness the ceremony were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat and Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq Cultural Attaché, Kuala Lumpur, Associate Professor Dr. Ahlam Neamah Lafta.

Abdul Rahman in his welcoming speech gave an overview about USM and recent achievement regarding USM in championing to be among the best sustainability-led universities after being placed at No. 4 in the world, No. 1 in Asia and No. 1 in Malaysia in the recent Times Higher Education (THE-IR) 2023 global sustainability rankings, which measure the contributions made by an institution and its community in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations by 2030.

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

Meanwhile, Abdulmohsin stated in his speech that it is anticipated that this MoU will pave the way for numerous opportunities for both parties.

“MTU is proud to embark on this collaborative venture with USM and it is hoped that both parties can mutually benefit from one another,” he said.

In her speech, Ahlam Neamah said that these agreements reflect positively on the university through communication with researchers and academics, and also work on conducting joint studies and research which will contribute to the development of business.

Also present were the Dean of Electrical Engineering Technical College MTU, Professor Adel Ahmed Obed Alkhalaf and MTU Secretary of the University Council, Assistant Professor Hassan Abdulrssoul Abdulhadi.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi