Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (middle) and the Malaysian delegation with the top management of University of Isfahan, Iran.
HIGHER Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s recent five-day official visit to Turkiye and Iran served as a continuation of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in the field of higher education.
The tour provided the Higher Education Ministry opportunities to explore cooperation prospects – particularly in research, expert exchange, and short-term student mobility programmes.
During the visits, 19 memorandums of understanding (MoU) and three memorandums of cooperation (MoC) were signed.
In Turkiye during the visit on Oct 5-6, three memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed between Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and three Malaysian public universities – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Malaya (UM).
The primary focus of these MoUs is the agreement to implement offshore programmes between USM and IGU, along with various agreed-upon matters such as student and staff exchange, research collaboration, joint research project development, co-publishing, and increased involvement of multinational companies from Turkiye.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin made a courtesy call on Iran’s Science, Research, and Technology Minister Mohamad Ali Zolfigol.
“The signing of these MoUs unequivocally demonstrates the growing confidence in the quality of Malaysian public higher education institutions, even recognised by foreign countries,” says Mohamed Khaled.
“May this achievement serve as a catalyst for our efforts to elevate the country’s higher education sector on the global stage.”
As for Iran, it is a country renowned for its achievements in the fields of science and technology, and the strong ties established can be harnessed to adapt innovations and contribute to the development and progress of both nations, says Mohamed Khaled of his trip to the country on Oct 7-9.
The Higher Education Ministry delegation during the D-8 International University board of trustees meeting at the campus in Hamedan, Iran.
In Iran, 16 MoUs and three MoCs were signed with four Iranian universities:
> Five MoUs and two MoCs with University of Isfahan.
> Five MoUs and one MoC with Islamic Azad University.
> Five MoUs with D-8 International University (D8IU).
> One MoU with Art University of Isfahan.
The collaboration areas encompass agriculture, science and technology, student exchange, engineering research, joint workshops, training programmes, and expanding dual-degree courses to enhance students’ productivity and employability.
Mohamed Khaled delivered a public lecture in Iran that emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation to address issues like food security, education and skills, and climate change.
Mohamad Ali Zolfigol (right) presenting a memento to Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He attended a meeting with the D8IU board of trustees in Hamedan together with representatives from six countries: Malaysia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
The discussion included accrediting D8UI and its issued degrees, naming a local university to serve as a collaboration hub, and nominating qualified students for further studies at D8UI with scholarships.
The minister proposed that D8IU should no longer be a conventional university but should have its own “niche area” such as in the field of science and technology, to distinguish it from other higher education institutions.
Additionally, a concept paper on “water for humanity” was suggested to be developed by researchers from member countries.
According to Mohamed Khaled, D8UI can increase its visibility through its multifaceted role, and attract more countries to join in the programmes to elevate Malaysia’s global reputation.
As a conclusion to his official visit, Mohamed Khaled made a courtesy call on Iran’s Science, Research, and Technology Minister Mohamad Ali Zolfigol to talk about strengthening relations between both countries through higher education.
Topics discussed include R&D collaboration in the fields of science and technology, given Iran’s expertise in these areas.
Mohammad Ali expressed his interest to explore more space and collaboration opportunities with Malaysia through higher education.
Mohamed Khaled hopes that these collaborations will translate into tangible contributions, driven by dedication and commitment – ultimately enhancing Malaysia’s image as a nation with a significant impact on global well-being.
