On September 13, Universiti Malaya (UM) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish the Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya. The signing ceremony was attended by the Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs, H.E. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, and took place at the Office of the Vice Chancellor at UM. This initiative was announced during Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to India, where he met with Indian Prime Minister H.E. Shri Narendra Modi from August 19-21, 2024.
Purpose and Goals of the Thiruvalluvar Chair
The MoA marks a pivotal step in the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair, which aims to foster academic and cultural exchange between Malaysia and India, specifically in the field of Indian studies. It is designed to enhance research output and curriculum development at UM, promoting academic excellence and collaboration in research endeavors that strengthen the ties between Malaysia and India. The designated Chair holder will serve for one academic year, with a possibility of extension for another year. The first holder is expected to begin their term in the 2025 academic year, under a five-year agreement.
Strengthening Malaysia-India Relations
This agreement is set to bolster Malaysia-India relations through greater academic collaboration and mutual understanding. During the meeting between the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya and visiting officials, discussions also centered on a matching grant initiative aimed at partnering UM with leading Indian institutions. This initiative is geared toward ensuring the success of strategic projects across various sectors, including the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence, and high-impact technology.
Future Collaborations and New Initiatives
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor proposed the creation of the ‘Universiti Malaya – India Centre for Global and Civilisational Advancement’ to further enhance cooperation in multiple fields. Key points of discussion included strategies for improving human capital development through increased knowledge mobility and collaborative research projects.
Universiti Malaya remains committed to driving initiatives that enhance connections between Malaysia and India, focusing on collaborative opportunities that reinforce bilateral relations and build on a foundation of historical mutual trust.
