UMPSA celebrate its dual degree graduation with Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) for the first time

GAMBANG, 26 October 2024 – For the first time, the 19th Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Ceremony celebrated dual degree students between UMPSA and Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU), Kazakhstan.

The awarding of the degrees was completed by the UMPSA Pro-Chancellor, His Majesty the Honourable Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Also present was the Vice-Chancellor of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Professor Dr. -Ing. Maurice Kettner.

The three of them, Lim Yeow Hong, 24 (UMPSA), Serikova Zhaniya, 24 (KazNARU) and Akshimbayez Danil, 21 (KazNARU), were the pioneers of the dual degree programme.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology with Honours, UMPSA and Bachelor of Technics and Technology - Biotechnology, KazNARU is the first dual degree programme conducted between a public university (UA) in Malaysia and a public institution in Kazakhstan.

According to the Director of the Centre for Academic Strategic Collaboration, Professor Dr. Mohd Ruzaimi Mat Rejab, this convocation saw the first batch of the Industrial Biotechnology dual degree programme in collaboration with KazNARU graduate successfully.
“Congratulations, Lim, Danil and Zhaniya, the first three graduands of the collaboration programme with KazNARU who obtained two meaningful degrees in their biotechnology studies.

“The strategic collaboration with Kazakhstan produces a 3+1 academic programme model where each student of this programme will be at the host university for a year.

“In addition to participating in academic learning, they will learn different cultures and languages,” he said.
Professor Dr.  Mohd Ruzaimi also expressed his gratitude for the close collaboration of the management of the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology (FSTI) in making this programme a success, as well as the commitment of KazNARU who have succeeded in making the third UMPSA dual degree programme students graduated after the first collaboration with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany and the second Reutlingen University, Germany.

“Alhamdulillah, all three of them have obtained career placements after graduating from this programme.
“The development of dual degree programmes that formerly involved universities in Germany, which is now expanding to Kazakhstan, has proven UMPSA’s commitment to establishing international collaboration networking and providing a wider learning space.

“In addition, students have the opportunity to experience studying abroad through dual degree programmes,” he said.

He further said that this learning opportunity is certainly an added value for them, especially in broadening their global perspective and understanding and adapting to a different atmosphere in their respective countries.

“Indirectly, these students are trained to become more independent individuals, able to practice the language and lifestyle of foreign cultures and increase their confidence to face the increasingly competitive working environment,” he said.

Lim Yeow Hong expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the two universities that provided unique opportunities and experiences via dual degree programmes and attended two convocation ceremonies within a year.

“Hopefully, all current students can practice a healthy social life, such as appreciating small joyful moments in the midst of seeking knowledge and pursuing the goals they want to achieve.

“Perseverance, self-awareness and clear goals can lead to a dream achievement.

“I hope that being a new graduate hopefully will inspire all UMPSA students,” he said.

Although Serikova Zhaniya and Akshimbayev Danil were unable to attend the convocation, they were excited and happy for their fellow student.

They were also celebrated in a pre-convocation ceremony before returning to their country.

They shared their experiences undergoing a different, comfortable and interesting style of education through a video recording of the UMPSA-KazNARU Dual Degree Programme.

They also stated that they like Malaysian food that has a variety of tastes.

This clearly shows that students also have the opportunity to learn and practice foreign languages and cultures when continuing their studies in the countries involved.

Hopefully, the development of UMPSA academic programmes in collaboration with international higher education institutions will continue to bring added value and positive impact to the students of this university.

By: Jamilah Bebe Mohamad, Nurkarimah Yusof and Rosnani Ismail, Centre for Modern Languages

Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology