Awantipora, Oct. 3: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the national university of the Philippines, to promote academic cooperation and encourage mutual understanding between the two institutions. The MoU was signed by Prof. A.H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, and Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Chancellor, UPD in presence of the Vice-Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo.
The MoU outlines a wide range of collaborative areas including exchange of faculty, researchers and students, joint research projects, organization of lectures, conferences and symposia and other forms of cooperation. The MoU shall remain effective for five years and is extendable upon mutual agreement.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, said that the collaboration will open up significant opportunities for academic engagement across Southeast Asian universities. He highlighted that IUST has been steadily expanding its international partnerships in several southeast Asian countries, and this MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening those relations. He further mentioned that the scope of the MoU would be broadened in the future to encompass other areas of mutual interest. Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan congratulated both universities on the collaboration and conveyed his commitment to expanding academic cooperation in diverse fields.
Prof. Moon highlighted that the two universities share several courses in common, which would make the collaboration more meaningful. Dr. Afroze A. Bisati, Dean SHSS, expressed optimism about the partnership and looked forward to joint initiatives in the coming years.
The ceremony was also attended by senior representatives of both universities including Prof. Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UP Diliman; Prof. Ruth Lusterio-Rico, Dean, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), UP Diliman; Prof. Ma. Liza Ruth A. Ocampo, Chair, Department of Philosophy, CSSP, UP Diliman; Prof. Carlene Pilar-Arceo, Director, Office of International Linkages, UP Diliman; Assoc. Prof. Rhoda Wani-Obias, External Affairs Officer, CSSP; and Prof. Ma. Theresa T. Payongayong, Convenor, AUN Gender Justice and Inclusion and President, National Organization of Filipino Philosophy. From IUST, the ceremony was attended by Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar; Mr. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer; Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach; and senior officials and faculty members.
The MoU designates Dr. Muzaffar Ali Makka, Coordinator, Department of Philosophy, IUST, and Dr. Ma. Liza Ruth A. Ocampo, Professor, Department of Philosophy, UPD, as the points of contact for ensuring smooth implementation of collaborative initiatives.
