(Gulf Times, 8 Oct 2008)
DOHA, 8 Oct 2008 - QATAR University and the University of Malaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday to promote academic exchanges in research and education as well as offer opportunities for inter-cultural dialogue and scholarship to students.
The University of Malaya (UM) is the first higher education institution in Malaysia. Qatar University (QU) president Professor Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad and UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Raffiah Salim signed the MoU in front of an audience comprising leadership members and deans of QU, representatives of UM, and Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Shahrul Ikram.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor al-Misnad observed that the two universities share a number of similarities in their respective development and academic agendas.
“Qatar University is, like the University of Malaya, the first and oldest national institution of Qatar. We also share the goal of meeting international standards and becoming leaders in our regions,” she said.
Professor al-Misnad maintained that in terms of research and opportunities for research co-operation, Qatar University is seeking to establish strong relationships with academic institutions in Asia.
“It is our wish to transform this agreement into an action plan where we will match our strengths and needs with yours,” she said.
The QU president also said that the agreement is in line with the university’s mission towards internationalisation in which it seeks to open up collaboration with institutions in countries which traditionally were not targeted.
UM vice-chancellor Salim pointed out that the university is increasingly becoming one of choice for students from the Middle East.
“The University of Malaya enjoys strong collaborative ties with leading universities in the UK and the US on current international issues. As a result, we are attracting students and faculty from around the world and especially from the Arab region”, she said.
Referring to the tie-up with QU, the UM vice-chancellor explained that they looked at the strong universities in the region and understood that Qatar University was one with which they could have a vibrant and successful partnership.
Another similarity that was noted was that both Professor al-Misnad and Salim share the distinction of being the first female leaders of their respective universities.
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