UKM Forged Partnership with Universitas Islam Riau
By Radzuan Ghazali
Pics oleh Ikhwan Hashim
BANGI, 13 April, 2011 - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) hopes to introduce a cross-border credit transfer programme with Universitas Islam Riau (UIR) soon.
UKM Vice Chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dato' Wira Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin expressed this wish at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UIR today.
The MoU, aims at strengthening UKM’s ties with UIR, was signed by Prof Sharifah Hapsah and UIR Rector, Prof Dr H Detri Karya at the Chancellery here today. The signing was witnessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Education (FPEND) Prof Dr Lilia Halim other senior members of the faculty and other senior officers from both UIR and UKM.
The collaboration covers three main areas between FPEND and Fakultas Pendidikan UIR, that is teaching and learning; research as well as community service and consultations. It also aim at increasing the exchange of their students.
Prof Sharifah Hapsah said the MoU is a renewal of the previous one which was signed in 1996 and expired in 2006. UKM, she said, values its close relationship with the Riau Province of Indonesia and has in recognition of the close relationship conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Educational Development to the Governor of Riau, H.M Rusli Zainal at its 38th Convocation last year.
For a start a study will be jointly carried out by lecturers of FPEND and UIR to gauge the level of professionalism among Science, Mathematics and Technology teachers in the Riau Province. She hopes the joint research can be developed into a training module for in service teachers.
Prof Detri Karya in welcoming the partnership said it will motivate both universities to expand their collaborations so as to enhance their future standings. 
(Translated by Siti Madihah Ahmad Mahir (UiTM Industrial Trainee)
