- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) forges academic alliance with University of Foreign Language Studies Da Nang, Vietnam (UFLS-UD)
- Collaboration focuses on research grants, international publications, student & staff exchange in English language education
- UMS lecturers delivered guest lectures, explored postgraduate opportunities, and joined UFLS-UD’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in Da Nang
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is breaking new grounds in international cooperation with an academic alliance with the University of Foreign Language Studies – University of Da Nang (UFLS-UD), Vietnam. The cooperation was preceded by a recent visit where six lecturers from UMS's TESL programme, Faculty of Education and Sports Science (FPPS), joined in.
Their involvement formed the basis for collaborative research, international publications and student exchange. Among the major achievements were initial discussions on two research matching grants and potential collaborative academic publications. Both institutions also mooted intensifying their network in English language education and learning.
The visit also pushed forward UMS's postgraduate objectives, with three possible candidates selected for graduate studies under FPPS guidance. Adding scholarly value, the UMS lecturers were asked to give a guest lecture on 'Innovation and Best Practices in EL Teaching and Learning: Bridging Research and Classroom Practice'.
The session involved students from the Faculty of English and the Faculty of Foreign Language Teacher Education. Head of delegation, Dr Wirawati Ngui, stated the initiative provides precious platforms for cross-border knowledge exchange.
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"This cooperation enhances global exposure for lecturers and students, and creates opportunities for research collaboration as well as academic development", she added. The group also participated in group teaching with 35 Business English students and UFLS-UD's 40th Anniversary celebration at the Da Nang Marriott Resort and Spa.
UMS Centre for Internationalisation and Global Engagement Director Associate Professor Dr Wardatul Akmam Din emphasized that the collaboration aids UMS's global agenda. It consolidates our research networks, increases academic mobility and improves the level of postgraduate supervision for international students", she added.
TESL Mobility Coordinator Dr Ting Pick Dew also said the visit will open the way for more staff and student exchange. "Our students gain excellent international exposure, and UMS itself becomes a more desirable destination for foreign students", she added. This project aligns with UMS's drive to research, innovation and internationalisation, in line with its vision to become a regional centre of excellence in higher education.
