Security outlined the entrances to Baker University Center so that Ohio University could welcome its international guest, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and education minister on Tuesday.
Honorable Tan Sri Muhyidden Mohd Yassin’s introductory visit to OU served as the university’s kickoff to its inaugural International Education Week.
“(Improving international relations) has always been the forefront of the educational mission at Ohio University,” said OU President Roderick McDavis at the ceremony.
OU’s partnership with the Malaysian government has been in place for 50 years.
Almost 7,000 Malaysian students are currently studying in the United States, Yassin said.
Almost 20 of those students attended OU during the 2012-13 academic year—the most recent data available, according to the Institutional Research website.
Yassin explained the importance of encouraging international partnerships and engaging students in learning about other cultures.
“Friends around the world play an important role,” Yassin said. “Present day and age, we recognize the impact of having international students on college campuses across the world.”
A new magazine, Suara, was also unveiled at the ceremony. It features OU research projects, students and faculty.
The publication will be overseen by Habibah Ashari, OU’s Tun Abdul Razak chair—a position chosen and supported by the Malaysian government.
The magazine was awarded $1,967.60 by the president’s office. It was unclear what sources of funding the magazine’s budget came from at press time.
“The president felt strongly that providing financial support to publish a magazine that recognizes our deeply held relationship with Malaysia was one of great importance,” said Jennifer Kirksey, McDavis’ chief of staff, in a statement. “He is very proud of the work that was spearheaded by our students and Dr. Habibah Ashari as well as the contributions of our faculty members and the Center for International Studies.”
International Education Week, though nationally recognized, wasn’t held at OU under the quarter system, being that students were typically preparing for finals at this time of the year.
“I feel honored that the deputy prime minister came to visit us,” said Nuurrianti Jalli, a first-year doctoral student in media arts and studies from Sarawak, Malaysia. “It will strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Malaysia.”
hy135010@ohiou.edu
@HannahMYang
