KUCHING: i-CATS University College signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an exchange programme with four educational institutions to foster academic excellence, promote innovation and nurture talent.
The signing marked the establishment of partnerships and the strengthening of ties between Telkom University Bandung, Politeknik Negeri Sambas, Kolej Komuniti Kuching, Kolej Komuniti Santubong, and PULSY Technology Sdn Bhd.
Witnessing the MoU signing at the Senate Room of i-CATS University College was Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of enthusiasm and optimism for the future of educational institutions and industries collaborating with one another.
“The signing of this MoU and the establishment of partnership with esteemed institutions is a significant step towards fostering academic excellence, best practice as well as promoting innovation and nurturing talent.
“Education, as we all know, is the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and societies. By joining hands and leveraging the collective strengths of our institutions, we can create transformative educational experiences that prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world,” said Sagah.
Meanwhile, i-CATS University College vice chancellor Prof Dr Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce announced the launching of the institute’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education programme.
“The programme, specialising in the field of Learning Sciences, Early Childhood Care and Education, Science, Mathematic (STEM), Education Management, School Leadership, Sustainable Education and Special Needs (now termed as Exceptional Needs) is the first PhD Programme at i-CATS University College.
“It is open to graduates intending to further their studies in areas of education. This is a very good platform to generate knowledge, acquire skills, research experience and publications needed for the benefit of education in Sarawak and Malaysia in general.
“i-CATSUC is on the move to humanise its teaching-learning approaches where real-life learning becomes the basis and the use of learning science strategies for teaching-learning as well as assessment methods,” said Shahren.
Learning science, he added, is highly multi-disciplined in nature and moving slowly away from formal examination.
Furthermore, he said the signing of the MoU and collaboration will foster academic excellence, knowledge sharing, transfer and exchanges to ensure meaningful collaboration.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee and Consul General of Indonesia Raden Sigit Witjaksono.
