UiTM and Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines plans for cooperation on a various areas involving teaching and research, staff exchange, student exchange, the organization of seminars and publications, as well as the sharing and sourcing of facilities and expertise in research and patents.
The MOU also highlights plans for transferring course credits between the two universities and also internships opportunities for students to be placed in organizations in West Sumatera – principally in Padang and Bukit Tinggi. Also, one of the first outcomes of the MOU are joint publications between the UiTM’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and UNAND'S Faculty of Social and Political Sciences.
The vice chancellor of UiTM Datuk Seri Dr Professor Ibrahim Abu Shah stresses on the possible working relationship and benchmarking activities with University Andalas especially benefiting on each other’s strengths in areas such as medicine, pharmacy and communication and media studies.
The MoU signing ceremony opens the curtain for the International Conference jointly organized by UiTM and Universitas Andalas entitled ‘Communication and Media Studies Curriculum & Education – Further Potential and Prospects in Indonesia & Malaysia’ which witnessed the presence of the Deputy Governor of Padang officiating the conference on behalf of the Governor H. Gamawan Fauzi, SH.
The chairperson for the Organizing Committee and also one of the keynote speakers, Associate Profesor Dr Ahmad Murad Merican said that the conference was significant in that it was the first time that the topic of communication and media studies – curriculum and education was discussed and deliberated between two universities from the two neighbouring countries since the beginnings of communication study in the region began more than four decades ago.
One of the objectives of the seminar was to identify communication and media phenomena in the context of Minangkabau and Malay society. It is urgent that we address and embrace dimensions of thought and culture, and worldviews in our study of communication and media.
Dr. Ahmad Murad was invited as a visiting professor at the university’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences to assist in the setting up of a communication and media studies program.
More than 30 papers were presented during the conference. The paper would be published as a proceeding and selected papers would be put together as book chapters with specific themes, as well as published in journals by both universities.
UiTM is Malaysia's premier institution of higher learning that has experienced a phenomenal growth since its inception in 1956. The university has expanded nationwide with 3 satellite campuses, 12 branch campuses, 8 city campuses, 19 affiliated colleges and a smart campus for the future. Its formation is based on a vision of outstanding scholarship and academic excellence that is capable of providing leadership in all fields of internationally recognised professional study. This serves as catalyst for greater strides in the development of the university and the nation.
Universitas Andalas is the oldest university in the West Sumatera region and the fourth oldest in the whole of Indonesia. The university was officially opened jointly by Drs Mohammad Hatta and the then Education and Cultural Minister Sarino Mangoenpranoto on the 13th of September 1956. It has grown from only having five faculties in the beginning of its inception to nine faculties to date.
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