UCSI inks MoU with RMIT to enhance higher education

KUALA LUMPUR: Taking another step forward in its relentless pursuit for internationalisation, UCSI University (UCSI) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University. 

The partnership was signed to enhance collaboration in the areas of joint research, as well as student and staff mobility, among other mutual commitments.

The MoU signatories were Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Zainuddin, UCSI’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Support and Christopher Ziguras, Deputy Dean of RMIT’s International School of Global Urban and Social Studies.

It was witnessed by Dato’ Prof Asma Ismail, Director-General, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia; the Hon Steve Herbert, Victorian Minister of Skills & Training; HE Rod Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia; Senior Prof Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, UCSI’s Vice-Chancellor and President; and Murli Thadani, Director of RMIT’s International Development.

The signing took place at the Victoria-Southeast Asia Higher Education Forum 2016 held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

According to Senior Prof Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, the MoU was another significant milestone in UCSI’s relentless pursuit for excellence in higher education. 

“We are pleased to partner up with RMIT, a highly accomplished University, not only in Australia but worldwide. We are confident that this MoU will widen the horizons for our students and staff, providing them opportunities to enhance their competencies and talents.” 

Speaking on behalf of RMIT University, Ziguras said that one way to enhance the student experience and groom future leaders is for RMIT to expand its portfolio of partnerships with the world’s notable universities. He emphasised that the partnership with UCSI is certainly a major step in that direction for RMIT.

“This partnership will forge stronger links for the benefit of all. It will help to enhance greater learning and knowledge exchange and provide greater opportunities for students and staff in not only the universities, but also both countries in another decade to come.” 

His Excellency Rod Smith also expressed his optimism in strengthening the relationship between both countries. He emphasised that he is keen to build up Australia’s positive image in Malaysia. He saw the signing of the MoU as a start towards an enhanced understanding and broad relationship with Malaysia at different levels. 

“The signing of this MoU is part of the very big agenda to take Victoria to the world through education. I hope that the collaboration will grow and I look forward to future possibilities that could emerge from this relationship,” said the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia.

UCSI has strong, long-standing ties with Australian universities. Other Australian partner universities are the University of Melbourne, Curtin University of Technology, Deakin University, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and the University of South Australia.