KASHMIR UNIVERSITY KEEN TO TIE UP WITH MALAYSIA'S IIU

NEW DELHI, Nov 23 (Bernama)-- The University of Kashmir is exploring
possibilities for an academic tie-up with Malaysia's International Islamic
University (IIU) to exchange their research expertise.

The university expressed its interest after playing host to a group of
Malaysian students and officials from IIU last week.

"We would like to explore the possibility of working with IIU, how we can do
research and conduct exchange programmes in various areas where there is less
research being done.

"Our university is particularly keen on women's studies, special children
and areas pertaining to IT (information technology) and in the field of
sciences," Prof Nilofar Khan, dean of its Students Welfare Department, told
Bernama.

The university, located in Srinagar, capital of the northern state of Jammu
and Kashmir, was established in 1948 after India's independence.

The group of 14 students and four officials from IIU were on a special
two-day visit to Kashmir, where students from both institutions discussed
academic, co-curricular activities and economic development issues.

India's National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) had given a
five-star ranking to Kashmir university -- making it a much sought after
institution in the competitive academia in India.

"We have several Kashmiri students studying in Malaysia but this will be the
first time we would like to have a collaboration on university-to- university
basis," Nilofar added.
-- BERNAMA