MUMBAI: UCSI University Sarawak Campus and Somaiya Vidyavihar University formalised plans to strengthen academic cooperation between Malaysia and India with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI).
The LOI was signed at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in the presence of Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Performing Industry, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
Under the LOI, both institutions will collaborate on student and faculty mobility programmes, joint research, curriculum development and knowledge exchange.
Key focus areas include hospitality, tourism, international business and management and other disciplines aligned with industry needs and global trends.
Abdul Karim said international education partnerships play an important role in talent development and destination promotion.
“This collaboration reflects Sarawak’s aspiration to position itself as a global hub for education, culture and sustainable tourism,” he added.
“Through academic mobility and cooperation, we are not only developing globally ready graduates, but also showcasing Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and natural assets to the world.”
Meanwhile, Consul General of Malaysia in Mumbai, Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff, said university-to-university partnerships are effective instruments of educational diplomacy.
“They strengthen people-to-people ties, deepen Malaysia-India relations and create long-term platforms for knowledge exchange and innovation,” he said.
Representing UCSI University’s academic leadership, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University, Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu, said the partnership underscores the university’s commitment to meaningful international engagement.
“By working closely with Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we aim to create impactful academic pathways, strengthen global mobility opportunities and deliver education that is relevant, sustainable and industry-driven,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at UCSI University, Christopher Wan Sageng, said the collaboration offers significant academic and industry benefits.
“The partnership opens opportunities for joint curriculum development, research collaboration and mobility programmes in hospitality, tourism and related fields, while supporting destination competitiveness and sustainable tourism development,” he said.
Under the LOI, students and academics from both institutions will gain international exposure and cross-cultural experience.
As part of its broader engagement in India, UCSI University is also visiting other higher education institutions, including Kohinoor Management School and Jio Institute, to explore potential collaborations.
The partnership aligns with Sarawak’s sustainability agenda, with UCSI University Sarawak Campus hosting the Regional Centre of Expertise Kuching, recognised by the United Nations University for advancing Education for Sustainable Development.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the LOI will pave the way for concrete programmes and a long-term strategic partnership that will benefit students, academics, industry and communities in both countries.
