ASA University Bangladesh and Indonesia’s Universitas Negeri Padang have signed a five-year agreement to expand cooperation in higher education, research, academic exchanges and human-resource development, with the Indonesian institution offering a full Master’s or PhD scholarship to an ASAUB student.
The Memorandum of Understanding took effect immediately after it was signed at 11 am on Saturday, 25 July, at the ASA University Bangladesh campus. Professor S M Rezaul Karim, Vice-Chancellor of ASAUB, and Professor Yulkifli, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Negeri Padang, signed the agreement on behalf of their institutions.
The partnership will cover education, research, community service, human-resource development and other academic initiatives of mutual interest, ASAUB said in a press release.
The universities plan to undertake joint research projects, international seminars and conferences, collaborative publications, faculty and student exchanges, public lectures, internships and combined field studies.
The agreement also focuses on strengthening international research links and taking joint measures to improve the global rankings of both institutions.
During the signing ceremony, representatives of Universitas Negeri Padang announced a full scholarship for an ASAUB student to pursue either a Master’s or PhD programme.
The scholarship is expected to strengthen academic relations between the two universities and create opportunities for students to participate in international higher education.
Dr Md Mohibbul Ahsan, Additional Director at the University Grants Commission, and Dr Hasib Mohammad Tuhar, Director of International Student Affairs at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, attended the event as special guests.
Also present were ASAUB Treasurer Professor A K M Helal uz Zaman; Professor Abu Daud Hasan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Md Saiful Alam, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law; Registrar Md Zafar Siddique; Dr Jesmin Akhter, Acting Chair of the Department of Public Health; M Waliul Bari, Acting Controller of Examinations; Assistant Registrar Mst Zinat Tara; faculty members; and university officers.
ASA University Bangladesh said it expected the partnership to open new opportunities in education, research and innovation and begin a new phase of cooperation between the higher-education sectors of Bangladesh and Indonesia.
