USM PENANG, 18 October 2023 - A meeting was held recently between the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC) and the Croatian Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Dr. Ivan Velimir Starčević, which marked a significant stride towards fostering international partnerships and collaborations.

The meeting was conducted via the online Webex application, during which both parties were engaged in a fruitful discussion, aimed at exploring avenues for cooperation in various critical domains, encompassing academia, research, innovation, mobility programmes, the Erasmus Plus Grant, as well as other opportunities.

The topics discussed focused on the exploration of opportunities for academic cooperation, a cornerstone in the establishment of enduring alliances between educational institutions.

During the meeting, H.E. Ivan expressed his vision of forging a robust and dynamic collaboration bridging the regions of Southeast Europe and Southeast Asia.

This vision, characterized by its forward-thinking approach, envisions a partnership that not only enriches the academic landscape but also paves the way for cultural exchange and mutual growth.

Among the attendees present during the meeting were IMCC Deputy Director of International Collaboration, Dr. Syaheerah Lebai Lutfi, and IMCC Assistant Registrar, Clarene Tan Chern Chieh. Their presence exemplified the dedication and competence that underpins USM's commitment to global engagement.

In her remarks, Syaheerah expressed the IMCC's delight on the opportunity to visit Zagreb University, highlighting the immense potential for collaborative initiatives between the two esteemed institutions.

Syaheera also explained that the USM education system is integrated with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) from UNESCO and emphasises the mutual benefits of cross-cultural exchanges.

The dialogue between IMCC and H.E. Ivan is hoped to set a strong foundation for future collaborations, exemplifying USM's dedication to nurturing global partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries.

Text & Photo: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi