By Nur Batrisyia
Foto Ikhwan Hashim and Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI, 13 August 2021 – University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Centre (IBISRC), Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation and strengthen international ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Vice Chancellor of UKM, Prof. Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Toriman said this collaboration will focus on developing an academic platform for staff, researchers, postgraduate and doctoral students, forming strategic alliances through joint research and international publications, organizing international seminars and conferences as well as facilitating visiting professors and lecturers.

“The partnership is also aimed at participating actively in the student exchange programme, facilitating the involvement of staff, students and researchers among the institutions, and enhancing international cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“I am confident that through this efforts and commitments, these two institutions will be able to accomplish more,” said Prof. Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, adding that he hoped the MoU would be implemented successfully.

IBISRC is overseen by the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers. This research centre is embarking on a large-scale project to restore Mawaraunnahr scholars’ ancient history and rich culture, while also establishing links with authoritative international scientific centres.

IBISRC has also formed scientific partnerships and collaborations with republican and foreign research centres in order to study the lives, scientific heritage, creative work, literature, manuscripts, and printed books of the great scientists of Islamic scholars.

The MoU which was held via Zoom platform was attended by the Ambassador of Republic of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, Ravshan Usmanov, Director Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Centre Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shovosil Ziyodov and Director Institute of Islam Hadhari, UKM Prof. Dr. Fariza Md. Sham.