UUM ONLINE: Istanbul - Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Karabuk University, Ankara Yildrim Beyazit University, Dicle University, Gebze Technical University, and Mardin Artuklu University at Shangri-La Bosphorus on Sunday.

The Memoranda of Understanding were signed by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, along with Vice-Rector of Dicle University, Prof. Dr Ahmed Tanyildi; Rector of Gebze Technical University, Prof. Dr Hasari Celebi; Vice Rector of Mardin Artuklu University, Prof. Dr Yilmaz Demirhan; Vice Rector of Ankara Yildrim Beyazit University, Prof. Dr Abullah Yildiz; and International Relations Coordinator of Karabuk University, Dr Adnan Ucur.

Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, was in attendance to witness the signing of the memorandum.

Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan stated that the MoU would focus on enhancing university-industry cooperation in areas such as academic and student development, research and development (R&D), and innovation.

He mentioned that this collaborative effort serves as an avenue for nurturing ideas, leading to outcomes that not only benefit those who are involved, but also contribute to the growth of both nations.

According to him, the cooperation initiative aims to establish strategic, efficient, and future-oriented relations between UUM and Turkish universities. It encompasses initiatives such as the appointment of staff as visiting professors, joint supervision of postgraduate students, joint publications and research, student mobility through Mevlana Exchange Programme and Farabi Financing, staff mobility through Erasmus financing, joint seminars and webinars, and academic collaboration programmes such as twin degree programmes.

“This opportunity will provide opportunities for researchers and students to acquire knowledge and enhance skills through knowledge and expertise transfer, which will add value to the industry and maintain a competitive edge in the same field.

“UUM hopes to play a collective role in enhancing students’ values through education, knowledge dissemination and experience sharing, as well as skill-building,” he said.

The event was attended by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education, Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman; Consul/ Head of Chancery, Consulate General of Malaysia, Istanbul, Ms. Mardhiah Sabri, UUM CAS Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Osman Ghazali and senior university officials.