VIENTIANE (LAOS), Sept 12 (Bernama) — The Universiti Malaysia Perlis’ (UniMAP) 16th Jelajah Ilmu (Knowledge Tour) programme led by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail today visited Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports here.

The Raja Muda, who is also UniMAP Chancellor, and the UniMAP delegation were met on arrival by Laos’ Minister of Education and Sports Assoc Prof Dr Phout Simmalavong. Also present were Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Mohd Aini Atan and UniMAP vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli.

In his speech, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said UniMAP would be able to remain relevant as a technical university through the existing collaboration with other universities at the international level

“UniMAP has continued to stay relevant through research collaboration and innovation sharing with the industry and communities.

“UniMAP will also continue bringing about positive impact in the effort to explore this borderless world,” he said.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also expressed hope that the efforts and commitment shown by the ministry and UniMAP would also strengthen the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Laos.

“UniMAP prioritises impact or success of a research that will benefit the communities and global society in general,” he said.

The tour, which began yesterday until Sept 17 in Laos and Thailand, also involved the participation of 24 students comprising UniMAP Students Representative Council members.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, who is also president of Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) also presented an Ibnu Sabil donation of RM3,000 to the Malaysian Embassy in Vientiane.

The donation was aimed at helping Malaysians who are in an emergency situation or having problems continuing their journey from Laos.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin and the UniMAP delegation then proceeded to visit the National University of Laos (NUOL) during which he witnessed the signing of the Letter of Intent (LoI) for cooperation in the higher education sector between UniMAP and NUOL.

He also expressed hope that today’s discussion would lead to closer cooperation between the two universities in internationalising higher education.

“Our inaugural meeting today will be the platform for us to explore available opportunities for UniMAP and NUOL to collaborate and explore those opportunities for mutual benefit,” he said, adding that other than offering relevant courses, the two universities could also collaborate in carrying out research in high-impact fields that would benefit the communities in both countries.

The LoI was inked by NUOL President Assoc Prof Dr Oudom Phonekhampheng on behalf of NUOL and Dr Zaliman Sauli representing UniMAP.