UTM Inks LoC with West Visayas State University for Academic, Research, and Community Development

kewsina

By Dr. Kew Si Na, Prof. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir, Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Dr. Rohayah Kahar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and West Visayas State University (WVSU) have officially signed a Letter of Collaboration (LoC) to foster academic excellence and research innovation. The signing ceremony was held at the UTMSPACE BOD Meeting Room, Residensi UTM Kuala Lumpur. Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), represented UTM, while Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, SUC President IV, represented WVSU. WVSU is located in La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippines, and is renowned for its six campuses and a 300-bed capacity medical center. WVSU has played a significant role in higher education and healthcare in the region.

The partnership aims to enhance collaborative efforts between UTM’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) and WVSU, focusing on mutual academic growth and innovative research projects. The event was attended by several representatives from UTM, including Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif Saleh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johari Surif, Director of UTM Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN); Prof. Dr. Siti Aisyah Panatik, Deputy Dean of Academic & Student Affairs, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru; Dr. Farhana Diana Deris, Assistant Dean of External & Global Engagements, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hadina Habil, Chair of Language Academy, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru; Dr. Zuhana Mohamed Zin, Director of FSSH Kuala Lumpur; Prof. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir, Professor, School of Education, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru; and En. Azri Hohad, Senior Deputy Registrar, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru. Representing WVSU were Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator, WVSU Calinog Campus; and Prof. Edel Carmela Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office.

This bilateral agreement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Kew Si Na, Senior Lecturer of Language Academy, FSSH, UTM Johor Bahru, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Campus Research, Innovation, and Development, WVSU Calinog Campus. Their commitment to fostering international collaboration has laid a strong foundation for future cooperative ventures between UTM and WVSU.

Following the signing ceremony, the delegates engaged in a discussion led by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim. This discussion focused on various collaborative strategies such as matching grants, academic programs, student and lecturer mobility programs, and more. These initiatives aim to enhance the academic and research collaborative opportunities of both universities. Both universities expressed optimism and excitement about the future successes of this partnership. President Villaruz, in particular, expressed his gratitude and admiration for UTM.

The successful signing of the LoC marks a significant milestone in the relationship between UTM and WVSU. There are also plans to further strengthen this collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming years.