UM, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IRELAND ENTER PARTNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland and University of Malaya will develop an educational partnership in medicine and science.

Queen's University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson said both
universities will announce the partnership tomorrow through the establishment of
a Centre for Population Health.

"Putting two leading research organisations will make a difference in the
quality of life of the people", he told reporters here.

The centre will help Malaysia to have its own database in examining and
conductiong research into the complex relationship between diet, living
conditions, environment and health in deprived and disadvantaged communities.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg
Empay, who was also present at the press conference, said it is through sharing
skills and expertise at home and abroad that people can further develop
successful partnership for the greater good.

"I welcome the opportunity this gives to promote the international
strategies of our local universities and I fully support the collaborations
between them and universities in a wide range of countries, including Malaysia",
Empay said.

Queen's University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of top 20
research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom.

Founded in 1845, Queen's has more than 17,000 students from over 80
countries and 100,000 graduates worldwide.

Currently, there are more than 120 Malaysian students studying at the
Queen's University, in disciplines including engineering, computer science,
medicine, chemistry, telecommunications and management.

The University of Malaya (UM) is the oldest university in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA