Jordanian universities forge stronger academic ties with Malaysian counterparts

KUALA LUMPUR — A delegation of representatives from Jordan’s universities recently travelled to Kuala Lumpur to establish and strengthen academic collaborations with Malaysian institutions. 

This initiative aims to enhance research, student exchange, joint academic programmes, and postgraduate opportunities through collaborative master’s and PhD programmes. 

The visit was organised by Education Malaysia Jordan (EMJ), a division under Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) responsible for the internationalisation of Malaysia’s tertiary education across six countries, including Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. 

EMJ plays a vital role in facilitating global academic exchanges and monitoring the welfare of Malaysian students abroad. 

This initiative was part of the UniConnect Programme, an inaugural collaboration between EMJ, the Malaysian embassy, and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). 

Radzuwan Ab Rahsid, Minister Counsellor of Education at the Malaysian embassy, told The Jordan Times: “The UniConnect Programme embodies Malaysia’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and innovation. These partnerships transcend academia, building bridges between our two nations.”

Constructive dialogue 

During their six-day visit, the Jordanian delegation engaged in discussions with Malaysia’s MOHE Director-General and visited seven universities, including University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Asia pacific University of Innovation and Technology (APU), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), University of Nottingham Malaysia, the UCSI University, and the Management and Science University (MSU). 

The discussions explored three key collaboration areas: academic exchange, technology transfer, and innovation. The visit culminated in the signing of several memoranda of understanding, laying the groundwork for enduring academic partnerships. 

Rami Alazrai, head of the delegation and Dean of Scientific Research at the German Jordanian University, told The Jordan Times: “Being part of this delegation was an inspiring experience and I believe it marks a significant step forward for international academic collaboration."

"These collaborations not only strengthen our institutions but also tackle global challenges by fostering the exchange of knowledge and education, it is a powerful reminder of how cross-border partnerships can drive progress and set the stage for an exciting future in education and science,” Alazrai added.

UniConnect Programme: Vision for collaboration

Launched in April 2024, the UniConnect Programme aims to foster enduring academic and research ties between Malaysia and Jordan through key phases.

The first phase, referred to as the match-making phase, started in April 2024 with the Minister Counsellor of Education at the Malaysian embassy, Radzuwan Ab Rashid, visiting potential universities in Jordan, laying the groundwork for detailed assessments of the strengths and needs of universities in both countries. 

The second phase, referred as the Engagement phase, took place in August 2024, when representatives from 11 Malaysian universities visited Jordan for in-depth discussions with their counterparts. 

The third and final phase, the Action phase, occurred in November 2024, when the Jordanian delegation visited Malaysia, leading to the signing of several MoUs, solidifying actionable plans for collaboration. 

“This initiative is not just about forging partnerships, but also about fostering cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and innovation between our two countries,” said Radzuwan Ab Rashid to The Jordan Times. 

Syed Mosen Alkaff, EMGS’s Regional Head for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), highlighted the programme’s success: “UniConnect demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration in higher education. We are proud to have supported this initiative and look forward to its positive impact in the years ahead.” 

The Jordanian delegation included representatives from 18 universities, showcasing a collective commitment to global education.

As global education increasingly transcends borders, the partnership between Jordanian and Malaysian universities stands as an example of the power of global collaboration. With shared goals of advancing research, fostering innovation, and promoting cultural exchange, this initiative lays the groundwork for a brighter academic future.