USM FORGES COLLABORATION WITH GAZA VARSITY

PENANG, 9 February 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) further strengthened its existing relations with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) by signing a pledge of cooperation agreement in three areas, namely, research, exchange of lecturers and sharing of facilities of both universities.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman said the signing of this pledge is an extension of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on 4 December 2012 between the two institutions. USM will help contribute expertise in various areas such as water security, renewable energy and distance learning.

Omar said this at the presentation of the Gaza Education Fund grants totaling RM100,000 to the IUG. The fund aims to help the Palestinian children of Gaza, particularly for graduate level studies.

"I am very grateful for the grant contributed by USM and the assistance offered by the people of Malaysia to the Palestinian children. I am also grateful to everyone who has helped us, the Palestinian people, over the years," said the IUG President, Prof. Kamalain Shaa'ath.

Also present were a senior officer of IUG and USM Alumni, Dr Wesam Ahmad Al Madhoun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Prof. Muhamad Jantan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, Prof. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Dean of the School of Civil Engineering, Prof. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah; Bursar, Puan Hajah Salmiah Che Puteh and representatives from the PTJ. - Text: Nor Rafizah Md Zain / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa / Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe