UMPSA, SIT strengthen strategic cooperation in academics, research, and internationalization

PEKAN, 18 January 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has bolstered bilateral relations and strategic academic and research collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU was signed by UMPSA Vice Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, and the President of SIT, Professor Dr. Jun Yamada, in a hybrid ceremony held at both UMPSA and SIT locations at 11:30 am (local time) and 12:30 pm (Japan time).

Also present to witness the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman; Dean of the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Faiz Mohd Turan; Director of the Centre for International Relations, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari; and the representative of the SIT delegation, Professor Hiroyuki Ishizaki.

Present virtually were Yukiyoshi Saito, representing the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia; Director of SIT International Programme Centre, Dr. Masaomi Kimura; and General Manager of Global Initiatives Division, Masahiko Inoda.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, this MoU is one of UMPSA's initiatives to empower high-impact collaboration in research and academics, especially for dual degree programmes between UMPSA and SIT.

"In fact, UMPSA's global ties with institutions in Japan began long ago, and to date, eight MoUs have been signed with Japanese institutions to enhance academic excellence and cultural exchange.

"Through collaboration and the MoU, two UMPSA students were successfully awarded the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship for the first time in 2015 and participated in the Language and Culture Program at Kansai University, Japan, for one semester.

"In addition, UMPSA also successfully implemented the Summer Programme with Iwate University, Setsunan University, and Yonago National College of Technology," he said.

He also expressed hope that this cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan in driving academic excellence and research on the global stage.

By: Nur Ainaa Adhreena Muhamad Shukri, Centre for Corporate Communications

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