KUANTAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with University of Hassan II of Casablanca(H2UC), Morocco to help both institutions articulate their academic programmes and services.
The MoU will emphasise collaborations in several fields including research, academic and student exchange programmes, dual degree programme for undergraduates and postgraduates degree programmes.
The joint-venture will also pave the way for the establishment of smart partnerships in knowledge sharing between both the higher learning institutions.
UMP was represented by its Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim while University of Hassan II Casablanca was represented by its President Idriss Mansouri.
The MoU signing ceremony tool place along the sidelines of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in Rabat, Morocco on Oct 11.
Witnessing the agreement signing was Education minister Dr. Maszlee Malik, Higher Education Department director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir and UMP’s International Office director Dr Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd. Alwi.
Describing H2UC as a reputable engineering school, Daing said it was a golden opportunity for UMP to collaborate with the university especially in research fields as UMP is ranked among the top 300 QS World University Rankings by subject in the field of mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
“Other possible collaborations includes science courses, natural resources and renewable energies including the field of business and management as H2UC has a respectable School of Commerce and Management of Casablanca.
“It will be a good opportunity for UMP to explore further in the areas of business engineering, similar to the collaboration with University of Reutlingen, Germany,” he said.
Daing said H2UC has more than 100,000 students, partly due to its distance learning approach and UMP is working within the same scope with the support from its own lifelong learning principles through UMP Advanced Education.
Furthermore, Daing said UMP is committed to expanding its learning and teaching in the 21st century paradigm through the Centre for Instructional Resources and e-Learning.
“The centre is responsible for UMP’s Collaborative Online International Learning and it is a member of SUNY Center for Collaborative Online International Learning (SUNY COIL) network.
UMP is an established and competency-based technical university specialising in the fields of engineering and technology and it strives to further strengthen its international links,” he said
H2UC is a public university located in the industrial capital of Morocco which was set up in September 2014.