Cultivating cross-border ties in higher education

Prof Liew (left) and Prof Ojat at the signing of the MoU and MoA in Jakarta.

A NEW partnership towards better higher education has opened between two universities in Malaysia and Indonesia.

This five-year collaboration was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and memorandum of agreement (MoA) between Malaysia’s HELP University (HELP) and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia (UT).

At the ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia, HELP chancellor and founding vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan spoke on “Exploring Qualitative Research: Unveiling Insights for Postgraduate Level Scholars” and explained the underlying philosophy that guided the selection of research methods.

Prof Chan related complex concepts and theories with practical usages.

Also at the event was HELP vice-chancellor Professor Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi who signed both the MoU and MoA.

UT was represented by its rector Professor Ojat Darojat, Academic Affairs vice-rector Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Yunus and Research, Innovation, Cooperation and Business vice-rector Associate Professor Dr Rahmat Budiman.

Also present as signatory of the MoA was UT’s Graduate School director Professor Dr Maman Rumanta.

The partnership will enable staff exchange and development programmes to enrich expertise.

It will also open doors for students to study at each other’s institutions, physically or remotely.

The universities have agreed to exchange academic publications and data, team up for research programmes, create quality learning resources and co-sponsor academic events such as seminars.

Both institutions – known for their emphasis on lifelong learning and skills recognition – will promote and recognise the prior learning of adult learners through the award of academic qualifications (APEL.Q) in Malaysia.

Liew said this collaboration embodied a core value upheld by HELP.

“The acronym in HELP University stands for Higher Education Learning Philosophy,” he said.

“It reflects our commitment to ‘helping’ by consistently opening our doors to enhancing higher education globally.

“This partnership provides opportunities for lecturers and students to gain new perspectives through exchange programmes.”

As a start, this synergy will begin with UT’s Education and Teacher Training Faculty, Economics and Business Faculty and School of Postgraduate Education.

These groups will undertake related projects including joint degrees, dual awards and the development of learning materials.

They will also collaborate on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning processes.

Prof Ojat said the partnership signified UT’s commitment to enhancing academic and research quality.

“I hope more educators will explore research and collaborations with international partners.

“This initiative is a concrete step to provide the best to students.”

He pointed out that UT was one of Indonesia’s largest universities, with over half a million students.