USTM ties up with Hong Kong varsity for academic projects

Guwahati: University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lingnan University, Hong Kong to promote and expand international understanding, development as well as support educational, professional and intercultural activities and projects among students and staff of the two institutions.

Founded in 1888, Lingnan University is ranked 3rd worldwide for “Quality Education” in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2021. In 2015, it was selected as one of the “Top 10 Asian Liberal Arts Colleges” by Forbes.

The agreement was signed in virtual mode by Prof. Leonard K. Cheng, president of Lingnan University, Hong Kong, and Prof G.D. Sharma, vice-chancellor of USTM on Wednesday.

The event was attended by academics and officials of both institutions.

The general activity areas under the pact include student exchange programmes, faculty/staff exchange, cultural exchange, visiting scholars/tutors, cooperative/collaborative research projects, cooperative dual degree programmes, short term training, cooperative and exchange lectures, conferences and seminars besides cooperative certificate programmes.

“According to the MoU, each institution will accept full-time students from the other institution on an approximate one-for-one basis for undergraduate or graduate study during the academic year,” an official statement said.

The faculty/staff of an institution under the terms of the MoU may participate in a variety of activities at the other institution.

“Such activities may include faculty exchange for instructional and/or research activities for short term or extended periods; conducting conferences, seminars and/or lecture series; providing professional expertise as consultants on special projects within the institutions,” the statement said.

“The agreement also covers exchange of short term visits for observation purposes including exploration of further development activities between the two institutions; developing activities with the areas of business, industry and education in the community in which the institutions are located; and other activities as may be identified during the term of the MoU,” it said.

Also Read | Cracks on Dhola-Sadiya bridge: Should commuters be worried?