Delegates From University of Malaysia Visit University of St Andrews

This September, the University of St Andrews welcomed a visit from delegates of the National University of Malaysia (UKM). During their stay, the delegates met with St Andrews officials to discuss the development of future partnership and to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two universities.

The agreement was signed at College Gate by Professor Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj. Toriman, UKM vice chancellor, as well as by Professor Brad MacKay, St Andrews vice-principal (international strategy and external relations).

“We were delighted to welcome a delegation visit from the National University of Malaysia on 16 September for the joint signing of a Memorandum of Understanding,” Harriet Sheridan, the acting head of communications and partner engagement at St Andrews’ Global Office, said.

She continued, “The National University of Malaysia is one of Malaysia’s top universities, and discussions between colleagues and delegates focused on several exciting areas for potential collaboration, including health sciences research.”

In addition to supporting bilateral research programs concerning medicine and public health, the agreement will endorse the study of international relations, according to an Instagram post made by UKM. More generally, UKM stated that the memorandum of understanding will reinforce strategic relations concerning education and teaching, as well as providing increased exchange opportunities for students and academic staff. Finally, UKM said that the agreement will offer students of both universities the opportunity to participate in joint graduations.

Alongside Professor Mackay, Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Dame Sally Mapstone attended the delegation meeting to represent St Andrews. Also present was Vice Principal (Research and Innovation) Professor Tom Brown, and Professor Peter Donnelly, who is the director of the Sir James Mackenzie Institute of Early Diagnosis and a professor of public health.

The delegates visiting from UKM included Dato' Yeow Wah Chin, alumni representative of the University's board of directors; Professor Dato' Dr. Hanafiah Harunarashid, pro vice-chancellor of the Kuala Lumpur Campus; and Dato' Dr. Syed Kamarudin Sadakkuthulla, registrar. In addition, Professor Dato' Dr. Razman Jarmin, director of Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital (HCTC), and Professor Dr. Muhammad Hussin, director of the Center for the Formation of Advanced & Professional Education and principal of the Keris Mas College, were present at the delegation meeting.

Founded in 1970 in Lembah Pantai, UKM has now relocated to Bangi, where the majority of its 15 faculties and 12 research institutes are located, according to the university's website. UKM’s teaching hospital, situated in Cheras, is one exception; in addition, the university has a branch campus in Kuala Lumpur. The institution provides a wide range of programs in both the arts and the sciences, and the subjects offered vary from dentistry to Islamic studies.

According to the 2023 QS World University Rankings, UKM is one of the top 150 universities in the world, rising nearly 200 spots since 2016. The same site rated UKM among the top 40 universities in Asia, awarding the institution five stars when considering factors including overall teaching, employability, internationalization, and facilities.

Image: University of St Andrews