Quest International University (QIU) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hospital Ar-Ridzuan to collaborate on the development and operation of laboratory and testing services at the hospital.
Under the agreement, QIU agreed to provide training, expertise and manpower to augment Hospital Ar-Ridzuan’s health testing services.
QIU said in a statement today that both parties also agreed to explore setting up facilities for the commercial lab and to procure the necessary approvals from the respective authorities.
“The commercial lab project will give QIU students the opportunity to conduct testing and research in the lab, providing invaluable manpower while honing and crafting their skillsets. The partnership allows QIU to harness its academic and research expertise to diversify its income stream beyond tuition-fee-based revenue, creating a more sustainable financial model for the university,” the university said.
The agreement was signed at an event held at QIU, in Ipoh, Perak, on March 7, by Global International Training Associates chief executive officer Nicholas Goh and Hospital Ar-Ridzuan general manager Dahari Mas’ud in the presence of QIU vice-chancellor Prof Zita Mohd Fahmi, QIU registrar Muhammad MG Omar, Perak State Islamic Economic Development Authority (PKEINPK) group chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Hashim Ahmad Tajudin and Hospital Ar-Ridzuan chairman Toh Tan Dewa Sakti Zulkifly Zakaria.
At the signing, Goh said hands-on education was a pillar of QIU’s pedagogy, adding that the university wanted to offer its students a chance to practice what they have learned in real-life situations.
“This will give them vital industry experience and expand the range of their capabilities. Once they graduate, this will make them highly sought-after targets in the job market.
“Our academic and research resources should always be used to support causes that have an impact on society, he said, adding that the collaboration with the hospital would allow for faster testing and more options for the public.
Dahari meanwhile said the MoU was aimed to provide a variety of medical facilities as well as improve the quality of services provided by Hospital Ar-Ridzuan.
“Through the expertise of both parties, this collaboration is expected to empower individuals with special needs towards a healthier and quality life. We hope that both parties will be able to improve the quality of their services as a whole and offer more services in their areas of expertise,” he added. – Bernama