Sunway University Holds MoU Signing with Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University

Sunway University hosted a MoU signing ceremony today with Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University (IJSU). Representatives from both IJSU and the Iraqi Embassy were present at the signing:

Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University (IJSU)

1. Dr Faris Kamil Hasan, Vice President  
2. Dr Saad Al-Atrany, Dean of the College of Arts  
3. Dr Hazim Akram Sallal, Dean of the College of Law  
4. Dr Saif Alaa Hussein, Head of Administrative and Financial Affairs  
5. Dr Ghadeer Ghazi Shayea, Head of the Scientific Affairs Department  
6. Dr Ahmed Shihab Al Bahri, Dean of the Technical College  
7. Dr Sameer Salam, Head of International Relations

Iraqi Embassy

1. Dr. Salah Mahdi Khaleel, Academic Advisor, Cultural Attaché  
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abduljaleel M. Majeed, Cultural Counsellor

Sunway University

1. Prof. Sibrandes Poppema, President  
2. Prof. Chai Lay Ching, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni)  
3. Prof. Ir. Rosdiadee Nordin, Deputy Dean (Internationalisation), School of Engineering and Technology  
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr Padma Pillai, Deputy Dean (Internationalisation), School of Arts  
5. Assoc. Prof. Dr Zaheer Anwer, Deputy Dean (Internationalisation), Sunway Business School  
6. Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Ali Najah Ahmed Al Mahfoodh, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Technology  
7. Dr Ibrahim T. Nather Khasro, Programme Leader - Master of Business Analytics, Sunway Business School  
8. Mr. Daniel Lee, Director – Research and Sustainability  
9. Mr. Andrianto Saputra, Senior Manager - International Recruitment, International Office  
10. Ms. Jade Thum, Senior Manager – Partnership Management

The day’s agenda began with an introduction to Sunway University by our president, Professor Sibrandes Poppema. He shared Sunway University’s inspiring story, coming from what was once a ‘hole in the ground’ to a world-class educational institution, and the nation’s #1 in graduate employability. He also shared some insights into the University’s future plans, including the construction of a new campus. Among the other items highlighted were Sunway University’s academic collaborations with institutions such as Lancaster University and Arizona State University, as well as community service programmes such as the Desa Mentari Project.

The team from Sunway was then honoured to hear about Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University’s story thus far. Established 20 years ago, IJSU is an institution that aims to provide its students with a high-quality education at a low cost. IJSU places heavy significance on the mental health sector, and has established its very own mental health studies centre. The university also has several international collaborations, as well as plenty of partnerships with local companies in Iraq. IJSU shared their eagerness to collaborate with Sunway University, citing their belief that it would serve as a learning experience and as a way for students to enjoy both countries’ distinct cultures.

This was followed by the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities, which was signed by Professor Sibrandes Poppema and by Dr Faris Kamil Hasan. Prof. Ir. Rosdiadee Nordin and Dr Saad Al-Atrany served as witnesses for the signing. After the signing, the guests were given a campus tour of Sunway University.

The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a promising partnership between Sunway University and Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University, one that will foster academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared growth. Both institutions look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead as they work together to benefit their students and communities.