SINTOK: In an effort to strengthening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Thailand, Universiti Utara Malaysia has forged educational collaborations with the kingdom's three southern provinces during a visit to their respective governors from April 28 to 30.

The visit kicked off with meetings with the governors of Songkhla, Pattani, and Satun, along with a courtesy call on the Malaysian consul-general in Songkhla.

According to UUM, the collaborative efforts aim to bolster the relationship between the two nations, especially in light of Malaysia's upcoming chairmanship of Asean in 2025.

"The collaboration journey began with a meeting between UUM vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan and Songkhla Governor Somnuk Promkheaw on April 28.

"Subsequently, meetings were held with the Malaysian consul-general in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Sarkawi and Pattani Governor Pateemoh Sadeeyamu on April 29.

"In the afternoon, the UUM Alumni Centre organised the UUM Executives Networking with Southern Thailand Alumni 2024 programme to celebrate UUM alumni in southern Thailand," it said.

Concluding the visit, Foad paid a courtesy call on Satun Governor Sakra Kapinkarn on April 30.

UUM said the visit was aimed at advancing the agenda of international higher education aspirations.

"This will also contribute to the country's economic development by attracting more students from Southern Thailand to pursue studies at UUM and establish a UUM Collaboration Centre in southern Thailand.

"These meetings with leaders from southern Thailand will serve as a catalyst for even more effective cooperation in the field of higher education in Malaysia," it said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1044931/uum-collaborates-southern-thai-provinces