Universiti Malaya and the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Universiti Malaya Asian Art Museum aimed at developing a museum system that will benefit teaching and learning. The MoU was signed by Professor Ts. Dr. Nor Badrul Anuar Jumaat, Associate Vice-Chancellor (Infrastructure & Information Services) of Universiti Malaya, and Datuk Kamarul Bahrin A Kasim, Director-General of the Department of Museums Malaysia, on May 31.
According to Professor Badrul, this signing of the MoU is the second time after 2014-2019 and will be implemented for another 3 years from 2023 to 2026.
"I would like to congratulate everyone on conducting various studies on artifacts, specimens, and historical sites using various new and conventional approaches. All the expertise available at Universiti Malaya can be utilized, and the results can be published or disseminated. The Asian Art Museum serves as the responsible center and intermediary for this MoU.
“Among the objectives to be achieved through this MoU is the sharing of knowledge between Universiti Malaya and JMM, which houses thousands of artifacts, historical remains, as well as animal and plant specimens. Universiti Malaya, on the other hand, possesses advanced expertise, sophisticated equipment, and hundreds of postgraduate researchers and students who will provide valuable input in understanding the country's historical background and culture,” he said.
Professor Badrul further added that several activities will be carried out together, including research by Universiti Malaya experts using artifact samples, ecofacts, ecological sites, archaeological sites, and history as a collaborative study. They will also develop a more effective museum system, such as marketing, sustainability, and curatorial work, and upgrade the information development system, to improve research methods and contribute new findings in artifact identification.
"May this MoU enhance the learning experience for students and elevate the professionalism of researchers, being interdisciplinary in nature," he concluded.