The World Maritime University (WMU) and Port Klang Free Zone SDN BHD (PKFZ), Port Klang, Malaysia signed on 26 November, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to cooperation in the field of maritime education, research, training and capacity-building with a view to develop and strengthen academic cooperation and capacity-building, WMU says in a press release.
The MOU covers five areas of cooperation as follows: distance learning education offered by WMU; research, in the fields of shipping, port management and the protection of the marine environment; field study training exchanges for WMU students; academic information exchange; and publications and research materials as appropriate.
“This MOU marks a major development in the cooperation between WMU and PKFZ. It provides the framework for building a firm foundation between our two institutions with WMU commiting to enhance capacity building for all stakeholders of PKFZ as well as for the broader maritime sector in Malaysia. This is in keeping with WMU’s mandate and role to enable member States of IMO and their institutions to strengthen their ability to effectively engage in maritime affairs. It is our hope that PKFZ will be able to gain maximum benefit from this cooperation, with strengthened expertise and capacity building support”, said the WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry.
Mr. Chan Leng Wai, Chairman of PKFZ, stated, "WMU is an internationally recognised maritime university. PKFZ is delighted to collaborate with WMU to provide capacity enhancing maritime and logistics courses and programs for the region. We hope this will further strengthen the collaboration and cooperation between WMU and Malaysia”.
The official signing of this landmark MOU was witnessed by the Honourable Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Director of the IMO Technical Cooperation, Mr. Juvenal Shiundu and a number of representatives from the Government of Malaysia.