ISTANBUL, TURKIYE, 6 October 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today made a move towards global engagement that signifies a momentous milestone, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) in Türki̇ye.

The MoU represents an expansion of USM Offshore Turkiye, which was originally established in December 2021.

To date, USM Offshore Turkiye has received nearly 550 applications, with 64 active students currently enrolled in various Postgraduate programmes.

USM anticipates a significant growth in the offshore Turkiye intake, with projections indicating that by 2024, the enrolment will reach 300 students.

This expansion will be made possible through the recent addition of offshore Bachelor of Management and Bachelor of Arts programmes.

This strategic development aligns with the recommendations put forth by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) of Malaysia to enhance the global recognition of Malaysian Higher Education Institutions which aims to establish Malaysia as a prominent global hub for talent and knowledge.

Signing on behalf of USM was its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed while reperesenting IGU was its Rector, Professor Dr. Bahri Şahin.

Present at the signing ceremony was the delegation from MOHE, led by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, who witnessed the signing of the MoU. 

According to Abdul Rahman, this unique partnership is a zero-cost investment for USM to have a full campus in Turkiye to cover the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The MoU was meant to promote, develop and establish cooperation in conducting research, education and training programmes, as USM continues its efforts to attract the attention of the international community to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies by developing Offshore Programmes in Turkiye, particularly through the collaboration in utilising teaching and learning facilities for respective study fields at USM. 

Through the collaboration with IGU, more innovative academic and research endeavours are expected to materialise, which will be in line with the internationalisation agenda of MOHE in ensuring a global presence of the nation’s academic programmes and expertise.

Among those who also attended the ceremony were the Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia in Istanbul, Tengku Mohd Dzaraif bin Raja Abdul Kadir; Deputy Director General of Higher Education (Research and International), Department of Higher Education, MOHE, Ahmad Rizal Adnan; and IGU Chairman, Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Gayretli.

Photo: Courtesy of KPT