By Azreen Azirinee Azizi
GOMBAK, 1 March 2017: More students from Saudi Arabia are expected to join Malaysian universities following the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said yesterday.
œThis shows the recognition of the Saudi Government towards Malaysia’s higher education,” Datuk Idris said, adding that “this recognition will lead to more students from Saudi Arabia studying here and vice versa, there would be a similar increase in Malaysian students studying in Saudi Arabia.”
The MoU signed by the Saudi Arabian Labour and Social Development Minister, Dr. Ali Nassir Al Ghafies and Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, will further strengthen scientific and educational cooperation between institutions of higher learning of the two countries.
Through this MoU, it is hoped to promote technical co-operation in the exchange of academic staff, teachers, trainees, experts and students, information on the system and structure of higher education, reforms and new educational technologies, and other areas of co-operation that are beneficial to both parties.
According to IIUM President, Tan Sri Dato Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, the MoU will not only benefit Saudi Arabian students but also Malaysian students at large.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud visited IIUM and Universiti Malaya during his stay in Malaysia to receive the honorary doctoral awards.***