UCAM to send students to UK – Shafie
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development will send students of the University College of Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM) to further their studies in the agriculture field at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, United Kingdom (UK) in the near future.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said this opportunity is open to students with Bachelor and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualification after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UCAM and RAU.
According to him, through this cooperation, the ministry will also send the teaching staff of UCAM for short courses and do research in order to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture and related technologies.
“We are finalizing several matters related to the sending of students and teaching staff there, hence its implementation will be carried out in the near future so that we can increase the capability and expertise in the country’s agriculture field.
“Agriculture is one of the sectors which gives the biggest contribution to the country and hopefully through this cooperation, we can learn about the latest technologies so that we can help to improve the country’s agriculture production,” he said at a press conference after witnessing the signing of the MoU between UCAM and RAU in his ministry here on Friday.
UCAM was represented by its chairman, Dato’ Sri Wan Mohamad Zuki Mohamad who is also the director general of Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Faridah Hanam Mohd Rashid while Royal Agricultural University was represented by its vice-chancellor, Professor Dr W. Paul Davies.
Also present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, secretary general of the ministry, Datuk Seri Mohammed Ibrahim and the two deputy directors of RISDA, Dato Mohamat Muda and Dato Mohamed Alang Abdul Hamid.
According to Shafie, the ministry hopes the students that would be sent to RAU will be able to gain knowledge in the agriculture field which can bring huge benefits to the agricultural sector in the future and improve the country’s economic resources.
“I believe UCAM staff will have many plans through collaborating with RAU. I also hope UCAM will benefit from this cooperation by giving new input to the country, especially in the field of agriculture,” he added.
Shafie said he chose to work with RAU as this educational institution has a good reputation internationally. It also has conducted many programs and cooperation with various countries around the world.
He said this cooperation would also prove that UCAM is committed to place its name on the same level as other agriculture educational institutions in the world.
Shafie also said the rural community is proud with the achievement of UCAM, which is formerly known as RISDA College, as it has been upgraded to a university college.
“Today is a historical day for UCAM. I am confident that this partnership can open the eyes of various parties and attract students to continue their studies at UCAM,” he said.