Universitas Andalas and University of Malaya Strengthen Medical Collaboration to Support SDGs

Kuala Lumpur, April 16, 2026 – Universitas Andalas, through its Faculty of Medicine, has officially established an international partnership with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at the University of Malaya campus and was conducted smoothly, marking a significant milestone in strengthening academic collaboration in the medical field.

The agreement was signed by Dr. dr. Sukri Rahman, S.Ked., Sp.THT-KL, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, and Prof. Dato’ Dr. Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. The ceremony reflected a shared commitment between both institutions to advance medical education, research, and global health collaboration.

The collaboration builds on the strong academic capacity of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, which offers more than 30 study programs across undergraduate, professional, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and subspecialist levels, supported by over 4,000 students and extensive teaching hospitals and health service facilities.

Under this partnership, both institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation in several strategic areas, including student mobility, faculty exchange, joint research, and capacity building in biomedical and health sciences. The collaboration also emphasizes the sharing of resources, expertise, and research facilities to address global health challenges and improve healthcare outcomes.

In addition, the partnership aims to expand collaborative research initiatives, promote innovation in medical and health sciences, and enhance academic programs through joint curriculum development and knowledge exchange. Both universities share a common vision to advance medical education and contribute to community health through impactful research and international collaboration.

This collaboration is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being through strengthening healthcare capacity, SDG 4 on quality education through international academic collaboration, and SDG 17 on partnerships by fostering global cooperation in higher education and research.

The Vice Rector IV of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Henmaidi, emphasized that this partnership represents a strategic effort to strengthen the university’s global engagement, particularly in the health sector. He noted that collaboration with a leading institution such as University of Malaya will enhance academic quality and contribute to the development of globally competitive medical professionals.

The Director of Cooperation and Research Commercialization, Dr. Eng. Muhammad Makky, stated that this collaboration provides a strong foundation for expanding international research networks and academic partnerships. He highlighted that joint research and innovation efforts between the two institutions will play an important role in addressing real-world health challenges and supporting sustainable development.

Dr. dr. Sukri Rahman expressed his optimism regarding the collaboration, stating that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing medical education and improving healthcare systems. He emphasized that the collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students and faculty members to gain international exposure and engage in collaborative research.

Looking ahead, Universitas Andalas and University of Malaya are expected to implement concrete programs such as student exchange, faculty mobility, joint research initiatives, and capacity building programs. This partnership is anticipated to strengthen academic excellence, enhance global health education, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development through impactful international collaboration.