JOHOR BAHRU, 15 August 2016 – A Letter of Corporation (LoC) was signed between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar (UNMAS) from Indonesia to start collaborating in the field of teaching, research and tourism.
The LoC was signed at the Senate Hall, Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building of Johor Bahru campus in conjunction with the 7th Rural Research & Planning Group (RRPG) International Conference and Field Study in Malaysia which was jointly organized by the Centre of Innovative Planning and Development (CiPD), UTM Faculty of Built Environment and Bait Al-Amanah.
The Letter of Corporation was signed by the UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar while Dr. Drs. I Made Sukamerta signed on behalf of his university.
Among the collaborations that were generally agreed on by both parties were to develop curriculum and exchange scholarly publications.
“Both parties will carry out research in tourism and the development of rural communities with UNMAS will be given an opportunity for the implementation of staff mobility programmes at UTM,” said Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ngah, the The Chairman of 7th RRPG organizing comittee.
The collaborating universities also will be conducting other activities such as academic staff exchanges, study tours and joint supervision of student research projects.
“We will also implement staff attachments to increase research activities in addition to attending seminars, colloquiums and academic discussions together. Student exchange activities including study visits and courses on research will also be held”, said Prof. Ibrahim.
The main goal of this partnership is to create and pursue joint development in the field of research and socialization to benefit both universities.
The publication journal papers will increase the impact factor on UTM side while helping to forge a bond with an international institution thus increasing its global image.
Also witnessing the ceremony were Menteri Besar Johor, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and two State Executive Committee (EXCO) Members, YB Tuan Haji Md. Jais Haji Sarday and YB Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Haji Mohammad together with Bait Al-Amanah Chairman and Johor Bahru Member of Parliament, Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.