UMPSA and Northern Illinois University (NIU) strengthen their cooperation network

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 January 2024 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is set to enhance its collaboration network with Northern Illinois University (NIU), United States of America, to offer an Engineering Technology Programme aimed at producing more Practical Engineers or Technologist graduates in the country.

According to UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the meeting with NIU has provided both parties with the opportunity to take proactive steps in exploring mutual opportunities, leveraging their extensive experience in offering engineering technology programmes, complementing the engineering programmes established by the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET), recognized by prominent American accreditation bodies.

"We also discussed dual degree programmes, international grants, staff and student exchange programmes, Global Classroom, and Micro-credentials," he added.

Representatives from NIU included NIU President, Professor Lisa Freeman, Executive Director for Global Initiatives, Professor Eric Jones, Professor Bob Brinkmann (Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, NIU), and Datuk Noripah Kamso (Malaysian Patron - NIU Alumni).

Also, present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Chief Financial Officer, Dato' Zainuddin Othman, Centre for Strategik Academic Collaboration (PKSA) Director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Ruzaimi Mat Rejab, and the faculty deans.

UMPSA has also established cooperation with the Malaysian-American Educational Exchange Commission (MACEE) to enhance understanding and promote educational exchanges between the two countries.

MACEE plays a vital role in implementing and coordinating various higher education projects, particularly student exchanges under the Fulbright Malaysia programme.

This collaboration can further drive UMPSA's internationalization agenda, aligning with Malaysia's vision to become a hub of excellence in higher education.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)