Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and West Visayas State University (WVSU) have recently solidified their commitment to academic excellence and research innovation through the signing of a Letter of Collaboration (LoC). This partnership, which was officially sealed at a ceremony held at the UTMSPACE BOD Meeting Room in Residensi UTM Kuala Lumpur, marks a significant step towards fostering collaborative efforts between the two institutions.
Representing UTM at the signing ceremony was Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), while Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, SUC President IV, stood in for WVSU. WVSU, located in La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippines, is known for its six campuses and a 300-bed capacity medical center, playing a crucial role in higher education and healthcare in the region.
The primary focus of this collaboration is to enhance academic growth and research projects through joint efforts between UTM’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) and WVSU. The event was attended by key representatives from both institutions, including Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif Saleh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johari Surif, Prof. Dr. Siti Aisyah Panatik, Dr. Farhana Diana Deris, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hadina Habil, Dr. Zuhana Mohamed Zin, Prof. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir, and En. Azri Hohad from UTM, as well as Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, and Prof. Edel Carmela Csoka from WVSU.
The successful establishment of this bilateral agreement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Kew Si Na from UTM and Dr. Elias C. Olapane from WVSU. Their commitment to fostering international collaboration has set a strong foundation for future cooperative ventures between the two universities.
Following the signing ceremony, a discussion led by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim focused on collaborative strategies such as matching grants, academic programs, student and lecturer mobility programs, and more. These initiatives aim to enhance academic and research collaborative opportunities for both institutions, with both expressing optimism and excitement about the future successes of this partnership.
The signing of the LoC signifies a significant milestone in the relationship between UTM and WVSU, with plans to further strengthen this collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming years. This partnership holds great promise for the advancement of academic excellence and research innovation between the two universities.
In conclusion, the LoC signing ceremony between UTM and WVSU represents a significant step towards fostering collaborative efforts in academic growth and research innovation. With dedicated efforts from both institutions, this partnership is poised to bring about positive outcomes and further strengthen the relationship between UTM and WVSU in the years to come.