Twinning with the Thais
UNIVERSITI Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) and letter of intent with the Prince Songkla Universiti (PSU), Thailand for a twinning programme which would take effect immediately.
UMK vice-chancellor Prof Dr Raduan Che Rose represented UMK in the signing ceremony while PSU was represented by its president Assoc Prof Dr Boonsom Siribumrungsukha.
A letter of intent was signed between both universities and witnessed by former Thai prime minister and PSU advisor Chuan Leekpai, and UMK board member Datuk Mohd Aiseri Alias.
Prof Raduan earlier said that under the Mou, undergraduates from both universities would be offered a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Applied Science in Food Technology and Security from UMK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science.
He also mentioned that they would embark on a students and academicians exchange programme to foster better bilateral relationships in the academic, arts and cultural field.
“This international collaboration will benefit both universities as the exchange of staff, students, visiting professors and joint research will result in scholarly publications.
“It is a relationship of sharing expertise, technology, resources, knowledge, and facilities,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony.
Dr Boonsom thanked UMK (led by Prof Raduan and his staff) for their initiatives in opening the road to a better understanding of each other.
“It is an honour for PSU to collaborate with UMK. As UMK is the university closest to both countries’ border, it is only appropriate that this twinning programme is initiated.
“This collaboration is a stepping stone to better cooperation in not only political aspects, but also in the similarities in arts, social and culture aspects that both countries share,” he added.