TUESDAY, 11 JUNE – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) creates history when it signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to collaborate with Wako University of Tokyo, Japan. With the signing of the memorandum, it marks the bonding of two higher learning institutions in both countries in the field of education and research.

Speaking at the function, Wako University President, Prof. Dr. Tatsuo Ito said, the memorandum not only opens a new chapter to the cordial relationship between UMS-Wako but also emphasises on the trust given to this EcoCampus University on Japanese education and research.

“This signing of memorandum with UMS is timely with Wako University’s intention to increase cooperation in the field of education and research. It covers exchange of students and academic staff, collaboration of publishing and academic information and professional development cooperation and community programmes.

“I believe this cooperation will strengthen the existing relationship and will contribute to the development of both institutions globally,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni UMS, ACP (K) Assoc. Prof. Datuk Dr. Hj. Kasim Hj. Md. Mansur in his reply speech recorded his highest appreciation to all staff and students of Wako University for their involvement in ensuring the success of the signing ceremony.

He said the cooperation would give high impact and benefits especially to UMS students in the field of business and economy, humanities, cultural and cocurricular activities.

“UMS is proud of this collaboration and hopes that it would be a platform for various future collaboration,” Datuk Dr. Kasim added. Also present to witness the signing ceremony was the Deputy President of Wako University, Prof. Dr. Toshio Umehara and UMS Senior Lecturer, Dr. Khairul Anuar Mohamad.

In another development, the UMS delegation had made a working visit to the Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC), Waseda University Japan. The delegation was welcomed by the Executive Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Nobuyuki Kamiya; WAVOC Managing Director, Takashi Togawa and WAVOC Head of Volunteer Projects, Assoc. Prof. Yukino Iwao. They were then given a talk on volunteer projects and student exchange conducted globally by WAVOC such as Korea, Rwanda, Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya and Malaysia.

Among the noticeable projects was the Borneo Project which covers aspects of educational assistance and immigrant issue in Sabah. Datuk Dr. Hj. Kasim then suggested the establishment of a volunteer project UMS-Waseda under the purview of the Student Council of UMS. – FL

Source: Student Affairs Department
                                                                                                                       Information and Media Section, Corporate Relations Division