The University of Portsmouth has signed a formal dual award partnership with MAHSA University, one of Malaysia's top medical universities. The signing ceremony was held at Portsmouth's Ravelin Sports Centre and is a major milestone in the University's continued efforts to promote international collaboration and transnational education.
The new collaboration will allow MAHSA University students to gain degrees certified by both institutions upon successful completion of their programs, aligning with the University of Portsmouth's vision to offer quality, globally accessible education.
The proposed partner programs will provide undergraduate degrees across all the five faculties in fields such as nursing, sport science, psychology, computer games technology, and data science and AI.
The signing was witnessed by senior delegates from both institutions. Attending on behalf of MAHSA University were Tun Dato' Seri Zaki bin Tun Azmi, MAHSA Chancellor and Malaysia's former 6th Chief Justice, and YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah, Executive Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of MAHSA University.
The University of Portsmouth was represented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life), Chris Chang, along with staff from all of the faculties and academic schools represented in the Transnational Education (TNE) strategic partnership.
Professor Galbraith began the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome, underlining the importance of the alliance in fostering academic relations between the UK and Malaysia. He stated: "This thrilling collaboration with MAHSA University speaks volumes about our mutual vision for excellence in education and our aspiration to expand our international presence. Through the awarding of dual degrees, we are enabling students to attain academic achievement that has no borders."
Mr Chang echoed this, highlighting the strategic importance of transnational education: "This partnership is a key step in expanding our reach in Southeast Asia and ensuring that our world-class programmes are accessible to students across the globe".
After the signing ceremony, staff and students were treated to a talk by Tun Dato' Seri Zaki bin Tun Azmi in the Replica Courtroom of the University. Based on his renowned legal career, he shared openly about his path from legal practitioner to Malaysia's Lord Chief Justice, providing valuable insights into life on the bench and how Malaysia's judicial system had changed over time.
As part of their visit, the MAHSA delegation were taken on tours of some of the University's cutting-edge facilities, such as the Centre for Creative and Immersive eXtended Reality (CCIXR) and the Centre for Simulation in Health and Care, highlighting Portsmouth's focus on leading-edge teaching and experiential learning spaces.
MAHSA University highlighted the strategic importance of the alliance, situating it as a landmark in access to international education. The alliance is a commitment of mutual purpose to the conviction that academic distinction should equip graduates to lead in the interconnected world.
MAHSA University's Group Managing Director, Dato' Shahril Haniffa, emphasised the value of this cross-border partnership over the long term. He commented: "In partnering with the University of Portsmouth in a rapidly competitive higher education and job market, we are a driver of greater mobility, recognition and benchmarked talent-building. It sends a message to employers and institutions globally that our graduates are world-ready and tuned for however and wherever the future is constructed".
The collaboration is a concrete demonstration of international aspiration of the University of Portsmouth. In line with its global outlook strategy, the University seeks to forge robust, sustainable partnerships with overseas partners and integrate global experiences into programmes at all levels.
This dual award agreement is part of a larger initiative to make opportunities available for students across the globe and address global challenges through education and innovation.
