KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance their relationship and collaboration in the academic and research fields.
UMS was represented by vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah and NUS by its Bachelor of Environmental Studies programme director Prof Dr Chou Loke Ming.
Mohd Harun, in his speech, said the MoU was the culmination of interaction between the UMS’s Borneo Marine Research Institute and the NUS’s senior officers as well as the willingness of the two parties to undertake structured programmes with meaningful outcomes.
He hoped that the MoU would define a productive relationship between the two institutions of higher education for it would emerge as a showcase of international collaboration in academic programmes.
Sabah was a place where visiting students from NUS would find a great diversity of habitats and species of coastal and marine flora and fauna, he said, adding that he was convinced more discussions would take place between the Borneo Marine Research Institute and NUS to discuss the modalities of implementing a coastal environment course.
“Foreign researchers who conduct observations here in Sabah are able to generate new and valuable information on marine biodiversity. Since biodiversity is the strength of our marine ecosystem, we are certainly interested in data collection and synthesis of new knowledge which will contribute to conservation and sustainable management of natural resources,” he added.
Speaking to reporters later, Mohd Harun said it was the first MoU signed between UMS and NUS and he considered it as a new chapter of relationship and cooperation with NUS.
He said the MoU also symbolised the NUS’s recognition of UMS’s strengths and expertise, especially in marine research. — Bernama