UGBS Hosts High Commission of Malaysia Delegation to Explore Collaborative Opportunities
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted a delegation from the High Commission of Malaysia to Ghana on 30th September 2024. The delegation comprised Mr. Syed Nauzer Idid- Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Raja Afi Amierul Aiman- Third Secretary. The discussions focused on exploring potential collaborations between UGBS and Malaysian institutions, particularly student and faculty exchanges, research development, and operational support.
Prof. Justice Bawole, the Dean of UGBS in his welcome remarks, spoke about his commitment to building international networks. “It is part of my vision to visit more international institutions to create networks, opportunities, and collaborations for the business school and our students,” he said. According to him, global collaboration is essential to drive institutional development. He added that UGBS is well-positioned to work with Malaysian institutions, making reference to the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub and faculty research. Prof. Bawole also proposed future collaborations between the University of Ghana’s Performing Arts Department, the Sports Directorate, and Malaysian universities. He added that arts and sports can foster international relationships.
Further, he discussed challenges related to student mobility, noting that while international students come to Ghana relatively easily, it remains difficult for Ghanaian students to secure similar opportunities abroad. He suggested organising fairs to introduce Malaysian institutions to prospective students in Ghana, providing them with the necessary information to apply for programmes in Malaysia.
Prof. Godfred Matthew Yaw Owusu, Department of Accounting, introduced the delegation. He commended the Malaysian delegation for taking the initiative to explore collaborative efforts. “This is the first time I have seen a Commission put in so much effort to develop a proposal for collaboration,” he said. He encouraged the team to work towards easing student mobility between the two countries to enhance student exchanges.
Mr. Syed Nauzer Idid expressed excitement about the potential partnership and spoke about Malaysia’s interest in fostering stronger connections with UGBS, particularly in research, technology, and the arts. According to him, Malaysian universities want to keep track of their alumni and realise that many are UGBS lecturers, which prompted them to collaborate.
He added that Malaysia is passionate about tourism and the arts. He also recounted the number of Ghanaian students currently studying in Malaysia and the success of Ghanaian footballers in Malaysian football clubs. He further mentioned that they are interested in student and faculty exchanges and the development of scientific and technological research.
Prof. Elikplimi K. Agbloyor, the Coordinator for the International Relations Unit at UGBS, discussed the school’s various international programmes and study tours. He noted that the school regularly hosts students and faculty from different institutions across the globe and looks forward to further collaborations with Malaysian universities. Dr. Anita Asiwome Adzo Baku, Department of Health Services Management, was present at the meeting.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership between UGBS and the Malaysian Embassy in Ghana is underway to enhance student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and cross-cultural exchanges.