UMPSA strengthens global strategic collaboration at the Higher Education Forum between Government of Malaysia and Republic of Uzbekistan

TANJUNG MALIM, 4 February 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to expand its global strategic network by forging new collaborations at the Higher Education Forum Between the Government of Malaysia and the Republic of Uzbekistan, recently held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

The forum was jointly organised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, and UPSI.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, and was also attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Konratbay Sharipov.

With the theme Uzbekistan-Malaysia: Opportunities and Initiatives for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education, the forum served as a strategic platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation.

The forum included plenary sessions and discussions on strategic socio-economic development, the green economy, artificial intelligence (AI), meta-technology, and Islamic banking in the Fintech Era.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, the forum provided a strategic platform for UMPSA to enhance international relations, particularly in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cross-border research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

“UMPSA remains committed to fostering global collaborations that positively impact the international higher education landscape,” she stated.

Additionally, the event also witnessed the signing of Letters of Intent (LoI), Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), and Memoranda of Agreement (MoA), along with exhibitions and cultural performances aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation in higher education.

One of the key achievements of this forum was the signing of an LoI between UMPSA and Fergana Polytechnic Institute, marking an important step in strengthening research collaboration and academic exchanges.

The UMPSA delegation also held discussions with the Rector of Fergana Polytechnic Institute, Professor Dr. Uktam Solomov, to explore joint research initiatives and student exchange programmes.

In addition, UMPSA signed another LoI with ‘Silk Road’ University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, following a productive discussion with the Deputy Rector, Professor Dr. Dilmurod.

Apart from vice-chancellors of public and private universities, the forum was also attended by 28 rectors from leading universities in Uzbekistan.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Director of the Centre for International Relations (CIR), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari, Director of the Centre for Strategic Academic Collaboration, Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Ruzaimi Mat Rejab, and several UMPSA officials.

By: Mohd Ferdaus Musa, Office of The Vice-Chancellor, and Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for International Relations

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi, UMPSA Press