CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has welcomed the initiative by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to expand to Sabah, marking its first venture into Asia outside India.
"Sabah, through the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), is also exploring potential academic collaborations with IITM," said Hajiji, who also serves as UCSF Chancellor, in Kota Kinabalu, today.
He made these remarks during a meeting with IITM Global Engagement Chief Executive Officer Dr Thirumalai Madhavnarayan and Dean of IITM Global Engagement Prof Raghunathan Remgaswamy at Menara Kinabalu.
They were accompanied by Petra Group and Sekhar Foundation Chairman Datuk Vinod Sekhar.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Chief Minister on IITM’s plans to establish a centre in Sabah as part of its vision to create a global innovation eco-system.
This follows the successful launch of its first international campus in Zanzibar, Africa, two years ago, with Malaysia identified as its initial gateway into Asia.
Also present at the meeting were State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Uni YS Sdn Bhd Board of Directors and UCSF Chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, and UCSF Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris. - February 26, 2025
