KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has taken a significant step in strengthening its ties with Indonesian higher education institutions by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 40 Indonesian State Institutes of Islamic Studies (IAIN) and Universities of Islamic Studies (UAI) in Pontianak, Indonesia.
The MoU in Pontianak, Indonesia on yesterday (July 13) covers various areas of collaboration, including academic staff development, research projects, and joint programmes.
Under the agreement, Unimas will offer postgraduate seats to academic staff from IAIN and UAI, allowing them to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at Unimas. The two parties will also engage in research collaborations, provide matching grants, and organise conferences, workshops, and seminars together.
“The MoU signing holds great significance in strengthening the relationship between Unimas and Indonesian higher education institutions. It fosters closer ties between the two countries and creates opportunities for academics from both sides to collaborate in various fields.
“In addition to deepening its connections with Indonesian institutions, the MoU will help Unimas enhance its initiatives in joint programmes, research collaborations, student and staff exchange programmes, and Islamic studies offerings.
“The timing of the agreement is particularly opportune, as Indonesia is in the process of relocating its capital to Nusantara on the island of Borneo, opening up even more possibilities for collaboration between Unimas and Indonesian institutions,” said a press statement.
The signing ceremony was led by Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and witnessed by distinguished guests, including the Consulate General of Malaysia to Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim; the Mayor of Pontianak, Ir H. Edi Rusdi Kamtono; and the director of Islamic Higher Education, Ministry of Islamic Education, Professor Dr Ahmad Zainul Hamdi.
