OHIO maintains vibrant engagement with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia
Ohio University (OHIO) has a proud history with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and with the country of Malaysia. The OHIO and UiTM partnership stretches back over 50 years, as OHIO began its first programs in Business and Commerce with Institut Teknologi Mara (now UiTM) back in 1968. OHIO College of Business offered BBA and MBA programs at UiTM and in 1994, OHIO was the largest producer of MBA and EMBA graduates in Malaysia. Many OHIO faculty traveled to Malaysia to teach, conduct research and immerse in the local culture. For many, their time in Malaysia was a life- and career-changing experience.
Over the years, the two institutions have maintained robust and vibrant connections and exchange of academic expertise. In lieu of travels, this year, OHIIO administrators participated in various virtual engagement opportunities.
On May 28, 2021, prior to her retirement as Dean of the Patton College of Education, Dr. Renee Middleton delivered a talk at UiTM’s International Partners’ Lecture Series. Entitled “The Role of Higher Education Leaders in Diffusing the Rising Anti-Asian Violence and Hate,” Dr. Middleton examined the rise of Anti-Asian violence and hate in the context of how the pandemic had exacerbated the situation, historical connections between Asian and Black communities in the U.S., as well as exploring higher education’s role in promoting a more healthy and anti-racist society, globally. In attendance was UiTM’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, OHIO alumnus (B.A. Economics, M.A. Sociology), Ybhg. Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ibrahim Shah Abu Shah.
On September 9, 2021, Dr. Jackie Rees Ulmer, Dean of the College of Business, shared highlights of the partnership between OHIO and UiTM from the 1970’s onward during the webinar “Merdeka Voices and Internationalization: UiTM’s Odyssey around the World,” hosted by UiTM. Merdeka references Malaysia Day, or Independence. This celebratory event also featured speeches from 14th Tun Abdul Razak Chair, Prof. Dr. Habiba Ashari.
Ohio University serves as a co-organizer of the biennial International Conference on University Learning and Teaching (InCULT) at UiTM. The 10th InCULT, which took place virtually from December 1-2, 2021, included the theme of “Realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the New Norms through Quality Education.”
On December 2, 2021, Interim Dean of Patton College of Education, Dr. Sara Helfrich, delivered a Keynote during the conference. Dr. Helfrich’s lecture was entitled “Teaching, Leading, and Learning in Times of Change,” and served as a reflection on how global events have impacted teacher educators’ and educational leaders’ teaching, leading, and learning within the context of a university setting.
On December 6, 2021, Dr. Ji-Yeung Jang, interim executive director for Global Affairs, delivered a talk at the UiTM International Partners’ Lecture Series with the theme of “Faculty Development and Internationalization Strategies- Best practices from Ohio University.” Dr. Jang reviewed the critical role of faculty members in the process of comprehensive internationalization through their teaching, learning, research, outreach, and service efforts and shared a few best practices of OHIO’s faculty development efforts such as Global Connections Professional Development Program, Global Collaborative Online International Learning Initiative, and other faculty mobility opportunities.
“It’s truly remarkable to think about how long our two institutions have been working together and to reflect on the impact this collaboration has had on the students and faculty at both institutions. The global pandemic has certainly impacted the ways in which we are able to connect, but we look forward to the innovation and renewed energy with which we will continue cultivating,” Jang said.
Learn more about the history of OHIO’s partnership with UiTM at www.ohio.edu/oga/strategic-partners/universiti-teknologi-mara and find out how to get connected by contacting the Office of Global Affairs at globalaffairs@ohio.edu