By Mohd Nazri Md. Yasin
PHITSANULOK (Thailand) - The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) will introduce the international collaborative programme ‘ASAIHL Mundus’, which takes on the spirit of the European and Asian cooperation to build an educational agreement for the benefit of future generations.
The concept of the programme was presented for the first time at the ASAIHL International Conference with the theme ‘Better Life Expectancy through Education, Research, and Innovation’ at Neresuan University here, on 13–15 December 2017. A bi-annual Board of Trustees Meeting was also held before the conference.
The concept of the ‘ASAIHL Mundus’ programme was presented by the representative of the University of Montpellier, France, Prof. Dr. Roger Frutos.
From left: M Mousakhani, President of Gazvin Islamic Azad University; Dr Abbas Ghanbari, Education Counsellor of Iran Embassy; Prof Datin Paduka Dato’ Dr. Aini; Dr. Sophon, Vice President of Naresuan University; Prof Dr. Sukhgij Ysothonsreekul; Dr Ninnat, and Prof. Dato’ Dr.-Ing Renuganth.
The delegation of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) at the meeting and conference was led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato' Aini Ideris who is also a member of the ASAIHL Board of Trustees appointed from 2017. Previously, UPM Vice-Chancellor has held the presidency term for a period of two years from 2015-2016. Also present were, Prof. Dato’ Dr.-Ing Renuganth Varatharajoo and Head of Administration Division, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mohd Nazri Md Yasin.
The conference was officiated by the Vice Minister of Education, Thailand, Dr. Sophon Napathorn. Also present was President of Naresuan University, Honorary Prof. Dr. Kanchana Ngourungsi; Chairman of ASAIHL, Thailand, Professor Suchatvee Suwansawat who is also the President of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and General Secretary of ASAIHL, Prof. Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth.
Dr. Jean Mac RODA (right) and UPM delegation
UPM is also involved in identifying the implementation and development of the ASAIHL Mundus programme among selected universities to spearhead the early development of the programme.
Prof. Datin Paduka Dato' Aini is positive towards the latest developments and believes that UPM’s involvement is able to realise the development of the ASAIHL Mundus programme, and places Malaysia in the lead for stronger Asian-European university agreement.
Graduates to be produced through this programme will have a more international learning experience as the programme optimises the expertise of Asian and European universities in the identified field.
The conference also witnessed the presentation of Dr Jean Marc RODA from the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) on ‘Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes in South East Asia’ (SALSA) a joint initiative of UPM, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, and ASAIHL.
Prof. Dato’ Dr.-Ing. Ir. Renuganth presented Malaysia’s report based on the theme of the conference, focusing on the preparation of Malaysian universities to face the challenges of the industrial revolution 4.0.
Together with Naresuan University students who presented traditional performances during the ASAIHL Gala Dinner.
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