The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance academic and research cooperation in several scientific and technological fields.  

The agreement was signed during a ceremony at UKM's Kuala Lumpur campus.  Dr Abdulrahman Yousif, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, represented AGU, while Prof. Roslee Rajikan, UKM's Vice President for Strategic Affairs, represented UKM.  

The signing was witnessed by Prof. Dr Marina Mat Baki, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UKM, and Prof. Dr Abdelhalim Abdelfattah Deifallah, Dean of College of Medicine and Medical Studies at AGU as well as other senior officials from both universities.

The MoU encompasses several key areas of collaboration, including higher education, medical education, faculty and student exchange programmes, and the organisation of joint workshops and scientific and medical conferences.  It also aims to develop joint curricula and research projects in various medical and health fields, fostering the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the two institutions.

Following the signing, Dr Yousif highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasising its alignment with AGU's strategy to strengthen international cooperation and expand its academic network with leading educational institutions worldwide. 

He specifically praised UKM, noting its ranking among the top five universities in Malaysia and among the top 200 globally, consistently appearing in leading university rankings, most recently placing 138th globally and 5th in Southeast Asia in the QS World University Rankings for 2024-2025.

He further explained that the MoU will support scientific research and innovation, curriculum development, student and faculty exchange, postgraduate supervision, postdoctoral academic exchange, and the joint organisation of international medical conferences and training workshops.

From his side, Prof. Dr Rajikan underscored that the collaboration with AGU represents a significant step towards strengthening ties between educational institutions in the Gulf region, the Middle East, and Asia. He expressed his delight at the fruitful cooperation with AGU, highlighting its esteemed academic reputation regionally.  

He stated that the MoU reflects both universities' commitment to developing and deepening academic and research cooperation to improve the quality of education and develop scientific solutions to address contemporary challenges.

As part of the MoU signing, a promotional film showcasing AGU's development and its innovative educational programmes were presented.  Following the ceremony,  the AGU's representatives toured UKM's Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy, observing the university hospital and educational facilities.  

They also visited various medical departments, including regenerative medicine, medical tissue engineering, gamma-ray oncology, and learned about rapid interventions for strokes and non-surgical brain tumor treatment.