In keeping with the aim of recognizing and establishing Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as a world class renowned University, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UiTM and the University of Ottawa, Canada. This was signed by the President of the University of Ottawa, President Jacques Fremont and the Vice Chancellor of UiTM, Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Hjh. Roziah Mohd Janor. This significant event was witnessed by Her Excellency, Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Canada, at the Alex Trebek Alumni Hall at the university campus.
This effort was initiated by the UiTM Negeri Sembilan team, headed by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Yamin Yasin. The initial step was the signing of the Letter of Intent which was held on the 25th day of May, 2022 in UiTM, Shah Alam, Malaysia. Collaborative initiatives included various efforts in teaching collaboratively with lecturers involved at an international level. Apart from this, collaborations which focused on research and publication in the field of Engineering. Some of the outcomes of these involved the development and empowerment of the alumni and the community engagement within campus while encouraging collaborations via international competitions and placements for trainees. This event was not an isolated one but included the visit and preliminary discussions with other institutions of learning – George Brown College and the University of Carleton.
In her speech, the Vice Chancellor of UiTM fleshed out excerpts from the President’s previous speech during the LoI signing ceremony. She quoted the President “Signing an MoU is easy but the challenge is to achieve the objective that has been set out in the document”. These words have formed the very inspiration for UiTM with the full and complete support from the High Commissioner’s office. These individuals played important roles in facilitating the planning and making a reality, the travel journey of the Malaysian delegation over a time duration of 20 hours to reach their destination – Ottawa, Canada to sign an MoU that would stretch over a period of 3 years.