UUM ONLINE: Ottawa – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and the University of Regina formalized a strategic partnership today with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering academic collaboration and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

The ceremony took place at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) 2024 Conference in Ottawa and was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Oussamah Tamim, Directeur Adjoint, Education Internationale, Global Affairs Canada, and His Excellency Mohamad Al Hafiz Mohd Nadzir, Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia in Ottawa, who expressed their support for this impactful alliance.

UUM was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Arpah Abu Bakar, Director, Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation, and the University of Regina was represented by Sam Simmons, International Relations & Partnerships Specialist, UR International. This new partnership marks a milestone in UUM's mission to expand its international network and strengthen its role in global education, particularly in Canada.

Mr. Oussamah Tamim and His Excellency Mohamad Al Hafiz both shared words of encouragement, emphasizing the role of partnerships like this in strengthening relations between Malaysia and Canada and advancing educational and cultural diplomacy. Their presence underscored the anticipated broader impact of this partnership, not only within the academic communities but also serving as a bridge connecting both countries.

This MoU represents another step in UUM’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in international collaboration that will not only enhance educational outcomes but also provide a platform for meaningful cultural exchanges, broadening perspectives for students and faculty alike, and further strengthening the ties between Malaysia and Canada.

The event was further honored by the presence of Madam Nor Aliaa Zainal Abidin, First Secretary at the High Commission of Malaysia, and Noorkhairul Aliza Mohd Hanapiah, Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia, whose attendance underscored the diplomatic and cultural significance of the new partnership.