In a significant move towards fostering global collaborations, the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT) in Kerala has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Malaysia to promote friendship and cooperation, mutual understanding, academic, cultural and scientific thought and personnel exchange.This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in effect for a period of Three (3) years.Theagreement marks a milestone in the efforts of higher education institutions in Kerala to internationalize their educational programs and research endeavours.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at FISAT’s campus in Kochi, Kerala, with dignitaries and officials from both institutions in attendance. The event highlighted the commitment of FISAT and UiTM to promote academic exchange, joint research projects, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise across various fields of study.Under the newly established partnership, FISAT and UiTM will explore avenues for student and faculty exchanges, enabling students to gain international exposure and experience a diverse learning environment. The collaboration also aims to facilitate joint research initiatives, fostering innovation and cross-cultural understanding.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Shimith P R, the Chairman of FISAT, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership opens up immense opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with an esteemed institution like UiTM. It will enhance the quality of education and research at FISAT and contribute to the overall development of our institution.”
UiTM, renowned for its excellence in various fields of study, including engineering, business, and social sciences, shares FISAT’s enthusiasm for the collaboration. The MoU was signed by for and on behalf of Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia by Professor Datuk Ts. Dr.HajahRoziahMohdJanor, the Vice-Chancellor of UiTM, and he emphasized the importance of global partnerships in higher education, saying, “We believe that internationalization is crucial for the holistic development of students and researchers. This MoU will enable us to build bridges and foster meaningful connections between our institutions.”Dr.Valliyappan David Natarajan an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia has been appointed as the project (MoU) manager and he will be monitoring the joint activities under the provisions of the MoU.
The partnership between FISAT and UiTM is expected to create opportunities for joint research publications, conferences, and seminars. As a first step it was decided to jointly organise an international conference this year. The annual academic conferenceon Sustainable materials, Manufacturing and Renewable Technologies (i-SMaRT) has been regularly organised by the department of Mechanical Engineering at FISAT, however the 3rd in series, i-SMaRT 2023 is jointly organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Institute of Science and Technology in association with College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) at Thailand has also expressed its willingness to associate with this joint venture. Additionally, the institutions will explore possibilities for joint degree programs and collaborative initiatives in entrepreneurship and innovation.
This collaboration comes at a time when Kerala’s higher education sector is increasingly focusing on internationalization efforts, recognizing the importance of global exposure and collaboration in an interconnected world. By forging partnerships with renowned international institutions, Kerala’s higher education institutions are poised to provide students with a truly global education experience.
With the signing of the MoU between FISAT and UiTM, a new chapter in the internationalization journey of Kerala’s higher education institutions has begun, promising exciting prospects for students, faculty, and the overall academic community. As the higher education landscape in Kerala embraces internationalization, it is expected that more institutions will follow suit, fostering a vibrant academic environment that transcends borders and nurtures global citizens.
