Manipur University signs an MoU with Malaysia’s INTI International University covering joint research, student exchanges, internships, faculty mobility and entrepreneurship.
Imphal, Sept 3: Manipur University and Malaysia’s INTI International University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation through joint research, student and faculty exchanges, internships and collaborative programmes.
The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony on September 3. Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Registrar of Manipur University, signed on behalf of the university, while Prof. Dr Goh Khang Wen, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global Engagement, signed for INTI International University.
Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, and Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University, along with Prof. Dr Asokan Vasudevan, Director, International Relations and Collaborations Centre, INTI International University, signed as witnesses.
Welcoming the partnership, Prof. Hemakumar stated that Manipur University was ready to actively undertake the activities envisaged under the agreement. Referring to the university’s implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, he highlighted the opportunities that internships and student exchanges could provide to students.
He also expressed hope that both institutions would fulfil their commitments and translate the MoU into sustained academic engagement.
Prof. Goh Khang Wen stated that INTI was seeking institutional partnerships that could deliver tangible benefits for students and staff. He identified research collaboration, student mobility, visiting scholar programmes, joint conferences and possible degree collaborations as areas for cooperation.
He informed that INTI could accommodate up to 20 exchange students from partner institutions per semester. Under a proposed one-semester exchange arrangement, students would receive a tuition fee waiver and free accommodation, while the visa fee was stated to be 1,500 Malaysian ringgit.
According to Prof. Goh, the exchange programme would give students opportunities to interact with peers from different countries and gain international academic exposure.
He also invited representatives of Manipur University to visit INTI in Malaysia and expressed willingness to share the university’s experience in international rankings through knowledge-sharing or coaching sessions.
Prof. Goh said INTI is audited as QS 4 Star and is ranked 406th globally and 102nd in Asia. He also highlighted the university’s subject-level rankings, citing business among the top 300 globally and accounting and finance among the top 375.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in education, liberal arts, business management, entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
Joint research, faculty and research personnel exchanges and collaborative publications are among the principal areas covered by the MoU.
The agreement also provides for student and scholar exchanges, internships, field studies and collaborative projects. The two universities will explore cooperative degree and certificate programmes, professional language teaching and cultural exchange activities.
Innovation and entrepreneurship have also been included, with provisions for cooperation in incubation and entrepreneurship centres, consultancy activities and skill development related to educational technology.
Joint conferences, seminars, workshops, training programmes and academic meetings are also envisaged to facilitate knowledge-sharing and research networking.
Other areas identified include sustainable development goals, connectivity, culture and responsible tourism.
Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei, Director of the Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), highlighted opportunities for cooperation in student and faculty activities, research, publications, seminars, conferences and workshops.
He said the collaboration could extend beyond teaching faculty to staff and other functions within the university system. Referring to Manipur University’s multidisciplinary character, he identified potential areas ranging from science and technology to finance, social sciences and liberal arts.
Specific activities, financial arrangements and programme terms under the MoU will be determined through mutual written agreements, subject to the regulations of both institutions and availability of resources.
Representatives from Manipur University included Prof. Angom Dilip Kumar Singh, Director, Research and Development Cell; Prof. Mayanglambam Lilee Devi, Director, Centre for Women Studies; and Dr Sakila Nongmeikapam, Press Relations Officer.
From INTI International University, Dr Tafara Mudzengi, Assistant Manager, International Relations and Collaboration Centre; Dr Thingnam Anne, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts; and Miss Tanushri Natasha Anne Paramesvaran, Executive I, IRCC, participated in the ceremony.
