UM, SWISS UNIVERSITY MoU FOR CLOSER RELATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The University of Malaya (UM) Institute of
Asia-Europe Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Switzerland's University of Fribourg of Switzerland to enhance academic and
research cooperation in the field of social sciences.

The MoU, signed by UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon and
Fribourg University coordinator Prof Christian Giordano, allows both
universities to promote exchange of students and scholars to boost the cultural,
historical, political and economic backgrounds and characteristics of the two
nations.

Dr Ghauth said the MoU would also further strengthen two Master programmes
-- International Masters in Information Management and International Masters in
Small Medium Enterprises -- conducted at both universities.

"The signing of the MoU would enhance understanding of diverse cultures that
link Asia and Europe through meaningful contacts to improve programmes and
research activities," he said.

Prof Giordano told reporters at the signing ceremony that the University of
Fribourg was the first institution from Switzerland to collaborate with UM and
it was important for both Malaysian and Swiss students to grab the golden
opportunity to learn and share different cultures.

He said there were grants for students from Malaysia to pursue these
programmes and stay in Fribourg.

-- BERNAMA