Platform on higher education set up
A FORMAL platform to discuss areas of cooperation in higher education between Malaysia and Jordan has been set up.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and Jordan’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Walid Maani signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“The objective behind the MoU was fourfold.
“We want more Jordanian students to come to Malaysia; as of December 2018, we have 2,098 Jordanian students in Malaysia, most of whom are postgraduate students pursuing engineering, business administration and the sciences.
“Secondly, we want to obtain more places for Malaysian students to study in Jordan, and scholarships, especially in Arabic language, Islamic studies and medicine.
“Jordanian universities are known for these fields,” he added.
Dr Maszlee plans to bring in more Jordanian professors to conduct and collaborate on research with local academics and at the same time, send Malaysian professors to Jordan to further their experiences.
“We want to establish a better network in promoting peace and a dialogue on civilisation and moderation among Muslim countries,” he added.
The ministry said in a statement that from the 2,098 Jordanian students in Malaysia, 1,431 are in public universities while 667 are in private universities.
“In addition, both parties hope to increase networking and the sharing of knowledge, starting with more exchange programmes between Jordanian and Malaysian professors,” the ministry said.
During his visit, Dr Maszlee was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Islamic Jurisprudence and Legal Theory from his alma mater, Al-albayt University, in Mafraq, Jordan.
“The award is a recognition of the achievement of Malaysian students in Jordan and to Malaysia.,” he said, urging Jordanian students to consider studying in Malaysia.
Dr Maszlee was granted an audience with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss matters pertaining to education and moderation following the signing of the MoU.