NIBONG TEBAL, 25 October 2023 – The Master of Science (MSc) Electronics System Design Engineering (ESDE), an offshore programme offered by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is hoped to integrate values regarding sustainability for Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Al-Mustaqbal University of Iraq.

This was mentioned today by the Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed in his speech during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both universities.

According to Abdul Rahman, the programme provides an opportunity for USM and Al-Mustaqbal University to integrate such values into their research and educational efforts via industry-relevant courses in the programme at the global stage.

“Although the MoU encompasses a wide range of initiatives, I want to emphasise in particular the importance of this mixed-mode programme,” he said.

“The programme is designed to offer a fusion of online distance learning or ODL and in-person learning, thereby providing students with an educational experience that is both flexible, has the relevance to the industry and rigorous,” Abdul Rahman added.

Meanwhile, representing the President, Associate Professor Dr. Hamza Mohammed Ridha Al-Khafaji said that the collaboration would allow Iraqi students to opt for Major courses offered by USM while utilising the infrastructure provided at Al-Mustaqbal University.

“Furthermore, since it is an offshore programme, it will provide a better and hassle-free option of quality education for students who may not be able to study abroad, due to their financial, personal, and logistic constraints,” says Hamza.

“Most importantly, they will be able to obtain a degree from a widely-recognised university such as USM.”

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim