24/04/2025

THURSDAY | APR 24, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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Sultan Nazrin opens solar technology hall at Perak university TANJONG MALIM: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah opened the Solar Arch at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), an open-air hall featuring solar technology, the first of its kind in Malaysia. Also present was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Their Royal Highnesses were greeted on arrival by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the university’s pro-chancellor Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid and its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff. Md Amin said a concept by Sultan Nazrin had inspired the university’s researchers Synergy Generated Company and UPSI Holdings Sdn Bhd to build Solar Arch, the first mega solar hall in Malaysia with an area of over 12,500sq ft. “UPSI’s Solar Arch, with its zero capex concept, has successfully reduced carbon emissions by 2,800 tonnes per year.” He said the hall saves RM2 million in electricity bills and ceremonial tent rentals of RM500,000 per year, and is able to generate up to RM350,000 yearly through rentals for various events. He added that the solar arch initiative would also be a catalyst for UPSI to be in the running for the Low Carbon City Award. “The project is in line with the aspirations of the book written by the Sultan, Globalisation, Perak’s Rise, Relative Decline and Regeneration .” Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara also witnessed the exchange of an MoU between UPSI, Institut Darul Ridzuan and the Singapore University of Social Sciences in the fields of research, education, law and care economics training. Their Highnesses also attended a feast in conjunction with UPSI’s 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. – Bernama

Sultan Nazrin cutting a cake at a stall set up in conjunction with the university’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Meeting with Prabowo fruitful: Zahid o ‘Cooperation in halal industry, fisheries, higher education, Gaza issue among matters discussed’

Significant progress made in educational ties with China, says minister RIYADH: Higher Education deepening collaboration.

“We are witnessing not between universities, but also mutual trust at people-to-people levels,“ Zambry said, adding that both sides are encouraging youth exchanges. “These students represent the future of China-Malaysia relations. Investing in education is a strategic investment for the future.” He added that the earlier the two sides cultivate mutual understanding and trust among the younger generation, the stronger the foundation would be for long-term cooperation. Zambry identified artificial intelligence, augmented reality and green technologies as key areas with strong potential for future collaboration between Chinese and Malaysian universities. “Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, the friendship and cooperation between our two countries have continued to grow.” He said the educational cooperation between the two countries not only benefits both peoples but serves as a model for partnerships among countries of the Global South. – Bernama only cooperation

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia is highly significant as it has opened new avenues for collaboration in education, scientific research and various other sectors. China-Malaysia relations have advanced steadily in recent years, with significant progress in education, he said in an interview with Xinhua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Zambry said bilateral cooperation in education is growing rapidly, especially in technical and vocational education and training. He said China’s strengths in green technology, electric vehicles and other emerging sectors have provided strong support for Malaysia’s educational and industrial development. Zambry said many Malaysian students are pursuing technical training in China while Chinese universities are expanding their presence and partnerships in Malaysia. Citing the successful operation of Xiamen University Malaysia as a prime example, he said several top Chinese universities have shown strong interest in

or location.” He said the matter should be emphasised by the authorities in both countries to ensure that the good relations between the two nations are maintained, Bernama reported. Ahmad Zahid said they also talked about efforts to promote Malaysian higher education in technical, engineering and professional fields in Indonesia so that more Indonesian students could pursue their studies in Malaysia. He said both leaders shared the same stance on Gaza, which is for a permanent ceasefire to be implemented and for the entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated. “We will jointly call on the international community to unite towards this effort so that reconstruction in Gaza and Palestine can take place.” He expressed satisfaction over his visit as matters beyond the framework of bilateral relations, regional politics and geo-economics and even international affairs had been discussed. Ahmad Zahid concluded his three-day official visit to the country on Tuesday.

JAKARTA: Cooperation in the halal industry, fisheries, higher education and the Gaza issue were among the matters discussed during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s courtesy call on President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday. Ahmad Zahid said both countries had agreed that the halal logo of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department could be used for halal products exported to Indonesia without requiring a new SOP. “Malaysia will also recognise Indonesia’s halal certification for products exported to Malaysia. “This is a game changer that we must appreciate due to the commitment shown by industry players, especially as it received endorsement from the Indonesian religious affairs minister, and during my discussion with Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.” Ahmad Zahid said he had also proposed during the meeting that

the halal industry forum, to be jointly organised by Malaysia and Indonesia, be held at the regional level. He added that the intention to establish the Asean Halal Council be conveyed to the Asean Secretariat for approval by member states. “The Asean Halal Council needs to be established not only to coordinate the issuance of halal certificates but also to make Asean a major market for products among Asean countries.” On the issue of fishermen along the maritime borders of both countries, Ahmad Zahid said he and Prabowo agreed that those who crossed into each other’s territorial waters should be given a warning first, based on an MoU signed in 2012. “We urge Malaysian fishermen to continue using the Automatic Identification System and not to switch it off while in the Straits of Malacca because our authorities will be monitoring their position