Bandar Seri Begawan - With the recent signing of a MoU agreement with Yala Islamic University, another university from the southern part of Thailand, Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus is also interested to forge ties with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Led by Madam Waesong Deleng, Minister at Royal Thai Embassy in Brunei, the three officials from UBD namely, the Director of Language Centre Dr Yabit Alas, Director of Academy of Brunei Studies Dr Siti Norkhalbi Hj Wahsalfelah and Senior Lecturer of Language Centre Datin Hjh Rosnah Hj Ramly had a fruitful discussion with representatives from various faculties from Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus in Thailand.

Prince of Songkla University was the first uni established in 1967 in SouthThailand and was named after the current King of Thailand's father, HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla.

Officials present from Prince of Songkla University Pattani campus were Assistant Professor Nifarid Raden Ahmad, Vice President for Students Development and Cultures Associate Professor Prathana Kanaovakun, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs Assistance Professor Arin Saidi, Assistant President for International Affairs Assistant Professor Awang Lanui and Mr Chatchai Ratanachai, Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs from Hat Yai campus.

During the discussion, the Prince of Songkla University Pattani Camnus conveyed their interest on Rrnnei's strength in the methodology of teaching the English Language to students as the university is currently struggling in teaching the English Language to Thai students.

It is hoped that students from Pattani campus could study in UBD for one semester in order to expose them to Brunei's culture and also learn the English Language. Meanwhile, UBD students are also welcome to study a semester in Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus.

The Thai university also expressed the possibility of sending Thai teachers to UBD to help teach the Thai Language which Dr Yabit of UBD openly welcomed since UBD will be conducting Thai Language classes starting August this year. Issues on this matter will be further discussed.

Dr Yabit Alas and Datin Hajah Rosnah said the objective of the trip was to look for possibilities for Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus to help facilitate UBD's students who may opt to undergo the community service as one of their options, in the Generation Next Degree Programme.

The Director of Academy of Brunei Studies, Dr Siti Norkhalbi Hj Wahsalfelah further stated the collaboration between both universities is beneficial for students in the Academy of Brunei Studies, since UBD is currently offering the Asean language component. The team also discussed matters of joint research in the field of bio-diversity and agro-technology for food security.

In the first step towards collaborating with the Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus, Datin Hajah Rosnah said, "We are willing to offer some 10 to 12 students from Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus to study one semester in UBD with tuition and academic fee waived but not accommodation and airfare."

An entourage from the Prince of Songkla University is scheduled to visit UBD by the end of March. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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