Bro. Ellakim P. Sosmeña, SC, president of Cor Jesu College (CJC) and Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Amin Jalaludin, Vice-chancellor of University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last November 5, 2015 at the Chancellery of UM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The signing of the MOU is the first step in a series of activities the two educational institutions will undertake. In his welcome remarks, Prof. Jalaludin expressed his joy and appreciation to the team from CJC and shared his interest for the two institutions to undertake collaborative activities especially in the areas of student and academic staff exchange, research and many others. “This MOU will cover not only the Faculty of Education of our university but other departments as well,” he added as he enumerated the different course offerings of the university.
“Our signing of this MOU manifests our shared commitment to engage with the University of Malaya in various projects that can benefit both our institutions. Aside from this, it provides opportunities for us to know, understand and appreciate more your beautiful culture and practices,” responded Bro. Sosmeña.
Dr. Kirth Anthony Diaz, CJC Institutional Affairs Director and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariani Md Nor, UM Dean of Faculty of Education were also signatories as witnesses. Completing the team from CJC were Dr. Ma. Elena Morales, Division Chairperson of the Teacher Education, Dr. Alex Niez, Dean of College and Dr. Randy Tudy, Dean of the Graduate School.
Also present as representatives from UM were Mdm. Zarina Sainol Abidin, Director of Institutional Student Centre; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yong Zulina Yong Zubairi, Deputy Director, International Corporate Relations Office; Dr. Ahmad Zabidi Abd Razak, Deputy Dean (Development & Research); Dr. Ghazali Darusalam, Director, UM Family Research & Development Centre; Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Sharifah Norul, Head, Department of Mathematics & Science Education; Dr. Moses Samuel, Department of Language & Literacy Education; Dr. Simin Ghavifekr, Department of Educational Management, Planning & Policy; Muhamaad Norazlin Mansor, Administrative Officer; and Mdm. Salifah Hasanah Ahmad Bedawi, International Relations Officer.
During the discussion, Fr. Ahmad Zabidi Abd Razak expressed his willingness to indulge in collaborative researches. He also invited CJC researchers to publish their research outputs in the journals of the university.
“The first activities we will work on are the students’ exchange program and research collaborations,” remarked Dr. Diaz after the signing ceremony.
“We are blessed to be given opportunities to link up with one of the best universities in the world,” Dr. Tudy said.
University of Malaya, with its 750-acre campus at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is a top university in Malaysia. It is currently ranked 146th in the QS World Ranking. As a leading research university, it received RM590 million (PHP226,894,1548.43) from the government for its research program.
