Malaysia, RI to open medical school

PADANG, West Sumatra: The Negri Sembilan state of Malaysia will open a medical school here in conjunction with Andalas University and Baiturrahmah College.

A memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in trade and education has recently been signed here by a state delegation led by Dr. Murad Haji Ahmad, and West Sumatra Governor Hasan Basri Durin.

The joint construction of an industrial park in Padang, a resort area in Gunung Padang, recently began to boost economic ties.

The Negri Sembilan state and Padang Teachers' Training Institute have jointly establishment a school of business and launched a student exchange program.

"We wish to erase the perception that knowledge can only be pursued in some developed countries," Murad said. "It would be better for Malaysian students, for instance, to take their Islamic studies in West Sumatra because of the similarities here to language, culture and religious life in Malaysia." (01/swe)