2023, May 11
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NU Expands Academic Cooperation with Universiti Malaya and Tsinghua University
2023, May 11
Share this articleNU students will study as exchange students at major universities in China and Malaysia.
NU is expanding academic cooperation with leading universities in the world. As part of the Alliance of Asian Universities Forum, which is taking place in the capital, NU signed two cooperation agreements: the Memorandum of Cooperation with the "Universiti Malaya", and the "Agreement on Student Exchange" with Tsinghua University.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the oldest prestigious university in Malaysia implies the interaction of students and academic and administrative staff exchanges and joint research activities. At the meeting, NU President Shigeo Katsu emphasized the importance of raising awareness among SMEs on how universities can partner with companies to drive innovation and make evidence-based decisions.
"We are a meritocracy-based admissions university. And admission requirements are high, so the calibre of students we get is top-notch. With that being said, 30% of students come from economically-challenged families of Kazakhstan. We are very proud of these students," Shigeo Katsu said.
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The University of Malaya, with more than a century of history, is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia, teaching 30,000 students, 6,000 of which are foreign. University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor spoke about the possibilities of the university, namely the medical cluster, considered the largest in the country.
"We wish our students can come to Astana and have an interesting academic experience and learn new culture here at NU. The fact that NU is English-instruction University is very helpful," said Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum.
Since 2015, NU has been operating the first medical educational program in Kazakhstan in English, based on the American medical education system. The NU School of Medicine is currently developing a comprehensive biomedical research program in collaboration with an international partner (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), research centres (NU Life Sciences Center) and the hospital (University Medical Center) to bring essential science findings into clinical practice. Therefore, the parties noted that the cooperation of universities in the medical sector has excellent potential. The signed Memorandum will be valid for four years, with the possibility of extension.
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The "Agreement on Student Exchange" with the famous Chinese Tsinghua University establishes a reciprocal student exchange program for both universities' educational and cultural enrichment. Tsinghua University is one of the leading universities in China, founded in 1911. It is one of the nine elite universities in China, "League C9", and ranks first in the National Ranking of Chinese Universities.
"We signed an agreement for student exchange and collaboration in all areas between the two universities. I think it is very important for us to work together to make our students understand each other. This is important for the two neighboring countries in the future for peace and development," said Tsinghua University President Wang Xiqin at the signing ceremony.
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NU President Shigeo Katsu took the opportunity to express his gratitude to China and President Xi Jinping.
"When Chairman Xi made his speech at NU in September 2013, announcing the Belt and Road Initiative, he was kind enough to invite 200 NU students and staff the following year to Beijing for a real warm welcome and introduction to China. It has remained a pleasant memory for many of our colleagues and graduates," added Shigeo Katsu.
The parties agreed to cooperate in research activities and expand academic mobility.
All three universities are members of the Asian Universities Alliance, a non-profit organization founded in 2017 to promote academic collaboration, cultural understanding and scientific innovation among 15 of Asia's leading universities. Through various programs and initiatives, the Alliance aims to support the development of innovative approaches to teaching, learning and research.
