The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) International Education and Partnerships Directorate hosted a delegation of 26 students from the University of Putra Malaysia (UPM) last Thursday, 29 August 2019 at the Hotel School, Ritson Campus.

UPM is recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading research universities. It was founded in 1931 as the School of Agriculture, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of quality services and achievements.

International Special Projects Co-ordinator, Phumza Sokhetye said the objective of this visit by the Malaysian students was to expose them to DUT programmes. “It is also a platform to facilitate possible exchange programmes between DUT and their University,” she said.

International Education and Partnerships Director, Dr Lavern Samuels welcomed the Malaysian delegation to DUT and enlightened on the role of his directorate, which is to support the University in its drive towards becoming a globally positioned University of Technology.

“Our key focus activities include developing partnerships with other universities internationally; enrolling high quality international students for study at DUT. We also provide logistical support to international visitors, scholars and students. This includes immigration requirements, medical and visa information, students welfare and advice on acceptability of foreign qualifications; as well as working with academic departments to identify suitable international partners that will promote teaching innovation, learning and research,” he said.

He also urged the Head of the Malaysian delegation to explore how their University can collaborate with DUT on various strategic projects.

One of the students who was part of the Malaysian delegation, Sundaresan Nadaraju said he was impressed by the type of programmes offered by DUT because they are more hands on, particularly the engineering programmes.

The Bachelor of Agriculture and Bio-system Engineering student said he believes that his future is imbedded in Africa because he is currently doing comprehensive research on Africa.

Another University of Putra Malaysia student, Thevarany Shanmugandha said they were very happy with a warm welcome to Durban and DUT in particular. “This is an opportunity for us to broaden our horizon,” she said.

Pictured: Malaysian students performing one of Johnny Clegg’s hit songs, Asimbonanga uMandela during their visit at DUT.

Nduduzo Ndlovu