Three MOUs inked, strengthening the country’s position ahead of the AQRF
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 24, 2016 – Malaysia’s leading institutions of higher learning including Universiti Malaya, UCSI University and the ICAN College separately inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with top Victorian higher education providers at a Higher Education Forum organized here recently
The collaboration between internationally recognized higher education leaders in science, technology, innovation, business and design allows Malaysia to strengthen its readiness for the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) and raise its global competitiveness.
These MoUs offer new pathways for qualification, academic research and mobility for diploma, degree and PhD students. Victoria’s Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert witnessed the signings between representatives from the various organisations.
The State of Victoria, Australia is prominently known for consistently providing one of the highest quality educational outcomes for its citizens and international students alike.
Six of Victoria’s ten universities are ranked in the top 500 universities (Times Higher Education World Universities Ranking 2015/16) in the world. In the Top Universities (QS) ranking last year, Melbournereceived a perfect score (100/100) for student mix which looks at city’s student population, levels of social inclusion, and tolerance. Melbourne was also named Australia’s best city for international students and second best in the world ahead of Tokyo , Sydney and London. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Global Liveability Index, which assesses living conditions in 140 cities globally, awarded Melbourne the top city for the fifth year running. A cohesive and stable society, healthcare, education, and world class infrastructure make Melbourne a magnificent city to live, work and study.
Quote attributable to Victoria’s Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“This is a great example of the opportunities there are for Victoria’s higher education sector to grow across our region and deliver the same high-quality service and innovation overseas that it delivers at home.”
Brief description of the MoUs:
- Swinburne University of Technology and University of Malaya
The Partnered PhD agreement will facilitate research collaboration between researchers and joint supervision of PhD students in areas of complimentary strength. The partnership will also facilitate leading experts from both universities to collaborate on new research projects and joint publications. PhD students who graduate under the agreement will be presented collaboratively awarded degrees from bothSwinburne and UM.
Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Aleksandar Subic said that the new partnership would foster strong research outcomes of significance to the region.
“We are pleased to partner with University of Malaya, which has a proven international reputation in research and innovation, and we believe that this partnership will be mutually beneficial for both universities going into the future,” Professor Subic, said.
Professor Kamila Ghazali , Associate Vice-Chancellor (International) of Universiti Malaya said, “This will form the nucleus of the research collaboration where both universities will provide the support and supervision to the candidate until he graduates. I expect there to be an expansion of the collaboration to include more projects and more researchers to come on board.”
- RMIT University and UCSI University
The two institutions will co-operate in establishing closer links in the areas of academic partnership; student and staff mobility; joint research with RMIT’s School of Engineering and the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.
Collaboration around the creation of vocational education qualifications relating to health, aged care, disability and nursing with opportunities for dual certifications is being considered.
RMIT’s Prof Andrew MacIntyre , Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global Development Portfolio said, “We believe the co-operation on various fronts with UCSI University will deliver new outcomes and opportunities for all to benefit in the future”.
Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff , FASc Vice Chancellor and President, UCSI University said, “Through this partnership we hope to expand our capabilities and enhance our academic portfolio in order to provide industry ready graduates”.
- Swinburne University of Technology and ICAN College
Credit transfers into the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Business Information Systems (Faculty of Business & Law) offered at Swinburne University of Technology.
The first Higher Education Forum co-hosted by the VGBO and the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges & Universities (MAPCU) brought together 53 Malaysian and Southeast Asian (SEA) institutions of higher education.
The Forum explored issues and possible opportunities on:
- Internationalisation, transnational education and mobility
- Student experience and holistic outcomes
- Dual sector delivery: vocational education & training to higher education
- Graduate employability
- Blended learning
The Forum offered a common platform towards developing and enhancing higher education cooperation, capacity-building and partnership between Victoria and its counterparts in the region.
For photos please visit: https://drive.google.com/
About the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO)
Established in 2009, the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) in South East Asia is operated by the State Government of Victoria to help promote Victorian education, trade and investment in the region. Through a variety of programmes and business initiatives, the VGBO assists Victorian exporters and provides assistance to South East Asian regional companies and organisations to source products and services, business introductions and investment opportunities with Victoria . For information, please visit www.invest.vic.gov.au
Issued by Ceria Asia, Combined Energy Resources Sdn Bhd, on behalf of the Victorian Government Business Office South East Asia.
SOURCE Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO)
