Kuala Nerus – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Sendai College are in a formal collaboration for the first time following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the advancement of the teaching and learning at both institutions.

The connection between the two institutions was first established when two UMT students, Foong Shin Ying and Nur Zafirah Mohd Salam, underwent industrial training at the university in 2017 under the supervision of Professor Dr Tomoaki Endo-Sensei and Dr Hanis Mohd Yusoff.

During the training, they were exposed to lab work, instruments, and work culture in a Japanese institution. Dr Hanis received guidance from Professor Dr Hiroshi Fukumura for her doctoral study at Tohoku University, Sendai.

UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar in her speech said that through the collaboration it was hoped that various initiatives could be carried out for the benefits of the students. These included joint research, exposure to best practices, and access to instruments unavailable at each institution.

“This collaboration focuses on areas of Internationalisation, Marine Sciences, and Environment, and involves the Institute of Oceanography and Environment of UMT and Sendai College,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor also said that the Student Exchange Programme or Summer School Programs at Sendai College for UMT final year students would be planned to provide exposure and new experience to them.

In addition, the Vice Chancellor hoped that the collaboration could be expanded to other academic fields possibly with Tohoku University or other potential institutions that would want to contribute towards the betterment of the educational field, for the benefits of both parties.

She also hoped that the team from the School of Fundamental Sciences (PPSA) and members of Micro Plastic Research Group (MIRG) have further discussions that would lead to a collaboration and obtain either national or international grants in the near future.

The MoU signing ceremony saw Professor Nor Aieni signing the documents on behalf of UMT and Chairman of Sendai College Professor Fukumura on behalf of the college.

The event held on 7 February in UMT was also attended by delegates from Sendai College as well as Principal Officers of UMT.             

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu