GEORGE TOWN, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Albukhary International University (AIU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today to collaborate in several projects for mutual benefit.
USM vice-chancellor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said among the collaboration would be in curriculum development, staff training and exchange and secondment of staff.
"We are glad to assist AIU in the academic sector as we share the same mission, which is to provide the disadvantaged communities that live well below the poverty line, with knowledge," he told reporters after the MOU-signing ceremony here.
The MOU was signed by Dzulkifli, representing USM, while AIU was represented by member of its Board of Governors, Datuk Dr Sharom Ahmat.
Sharom said the first intake for foundation studies at the newly-completed RM350 million AIU in Alor Setar would start in November.
"We expect 20 per cent of the intake to be Malaysians while the rest will come from overseas who may total up to about 100," he said.
He said AIU would be offering three main courses, namely Business Management, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Social Science.
AIU is funded by Yayasan Albukhary and all undergraduates, who are selected based on their family-income level and academic excellence, are fully sponsored.
Earlier, USM also signed an MoU with Health Action International (HAI) Asia Pacific to operate a centre in the campus.
Dzukifli said the university was proud to be chosen by HAI as this would allow them to collaborate in many projects and share expertise.
The MoU was signed between Dzulkifli, representing USM, and HAI Administrative Council chairman Dr Ken Harvey.
-- BERNAMA--