UMK IS READY TO PLAY A BIGGER ROLE AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER IN STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COOPERATION NETWORKS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THAILAND.
7 AUGUST 2025 I
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) will play a greater role as a strategic partner, especially involving four regions in southern Thailand by strengthening academic cooperation, research and economic development of local communities.
This collaboration is in line with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN Chairman this year, while also continuously strengthening the Malaysia-Thailand education and cultural network. UMK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah believes that Kelantan's geopolitical position, which borders the southern region of Thailand, gives UMK an advantage in building a cooperation platform for joint development between Kelantan and Pattani. He said that the visit of the delegation from Pattani Region to UMK Jeli Campus this morning also brought a clear message about UMK's commitment in strengthening the Malaysia-Thailand education and cultural network. "Through this Pattani delegation visit, UMK has actually long established cooperation with universities in southern Thailand for the purpose of academic cooperation. "However, until today there has never been any cooperation with secondary schools, technical colleges for the purpose of getting students to continue their studies at UMK. "The visit of the Pattani Region delegation this time was held in conjunction with UMK's return visit to southern Thailand led by the former Vice-Chancellor of UMK, Dato' Prof. Dr. Razli Che Razak.
“The delegation’s visit at that time was aimed at discussing opportunities for academic collaboration with schools and technical colleges in southern Thailand,” he said at the MalayThai Program in Conjunction with the Visit of the Pattani Region Delegation, Thailand to UMK at the UMK Jeli Campus Multipurpose Hall, today. Also present at the MalayThai Program were UMK Board of Directors Member, Dato’ Haji Mohd Adhan Kechik, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International), YBrs. Prof. Dr. Huzili bin Hussin and UMK Jeli Campus Director, Prof. Ts. Dr. Aweng A/L Eh Rak. According to Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Arham, this visit opened the door to bilateral collaboration in various forms of cooperation including student and lecturer exchange programs, research and cross-border community development that directly benefit the local community.
“It also strengthened the internationalization agenda through the visit of the MalayThai Program, led by the Director of Pattani Regional Education, Mr. Suriya Mardthing, representing the Governor of Pattani Region, TYT Hjh. Pateemoh Sadeeyamu. “The delegation of the Governor of Pattani Region, Thailand was also attended by 147 senior Thai education officials representing various agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Basic Education Commission, the Vocational Education Commission and the Pattani Regional Education Office. “Also present were representatives of the Consul General of Thailand, namely the Director of the Pattani Regional Learning Promotion Office, Mrs. Kamolrat Suankaew and Mrs. Sutisa Soonkong,” he explained. Meanwhile, the celebration began with the arrival of the delegation as early as 8.30 am at the ICQS Bukit Bunga Complex, Tanah Merah, where they were welcomed by the top management of UMK before moving on to Jeli Community College for a briefing session and a brief visit. The Pattani Regional Delegation, Thailand continued their journey to UMK Jeli Campus for the main reception event which will be held at the UMK Jeli Campus Multipurpose Hall at around 10.30 am.
The arrival of the delegation was greeted with the rhythm of the rebana mangkuk as a symbolic welcome to UMK to receive a guest from Pattani Province, Thailand. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Huzili said that the visit of the Thai delegation is in line with the university's aspiration to make UMK a knowledge and innovation hub in the ASEAN region, where close ties with Pattani Province can enrich the learning experience and broaden the global perspective of campus residents. He said that in addition to this, it is to see for themselves the Orang Asli community development initiatives implemented by UMK, in line with the university's vision as a driver of sustainable development. “This visit is hoped to be a continuous platform to build trust and cultural understanding between the two countries. “With a similar socio-cultural landscape, this collaboration has the potential to produce more inclusive community projects, in addition to contributing to the sustainable development goals that are the focus of UMK in producing globally competitive graduates,” he explained. Added Prof. Dr. Huzili, the MalayThai Program not only strengthens educational diplomacy relations, but also reflects UMK's role as a strategic bridge that connects ideas, innovations and human values across the Malaysia-Thailand border. During the visit, the delegation from Pattani Region, Thailand was also taken to see an exhibition of various UMK study programs by the Academic Management Center (PPA), Graduate Studies Center (PPS), Malaysia Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business (MGSEB) coordinated by the UMK International Center.
