UCSI Sarawak, India’s Somaiya Vidyavihar University ink partnership to boost academic collaboration, tourism linkages

Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) registrar Prof Nandkumar Gilke (left) and UCSI University Sarawak Campus pro vice-chancellor Mukvinder Sandhu (right) sign the LOI, witnessed by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (standing sixth left), SVU vice-chancellor Ajay Kapoor (standing sixth right), and other officials in Mumbai, India, on Feb 4, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 6: UCSI University Sarawak Campus and Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), Mumbai, India, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen international academic collaboration.

According to a press release, the signing ceremony in Mumbai on Feb 4, was witnessed by Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, together with senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai.

Under the collaboration, both institutions will explore student and faculty mobility programmes, joint research initiatives, curriculum development and knowledge exchange.

Key focus areas include hospitality, tourism, international business, management and other mutually agreed disciplines that align with industry needs and global trends.

Abdul Karim reportedly said international education partnerships play an important role in talent development and destination promotion for Sarawak.

“This collaboration reflects Sarawak’s aspiration to position itself as a global hub for education, culture, and sustainable tourism.

“Through academic mobility and cooperation, we are not only developing global-ready graduates, but also showcasing Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and natural assets to the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, UCSI University Pro Vice-Chancellor Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu said the LOI reflects the university’s commitment to meaningful international engagement.

“By working closely with Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we aim to create impactful academic pathways, strengthen global mobility opportunities and deliver education that is relevant, sustainable and industry-driven,” she said.

The mobility programmes will also allow visiting participants to experience Sarawak’s indigenous cultures, creative arts and rainforests, helping position the State as a global cultural and nature destination.

As part of its broader India engagement, the UCSI University delegation is also visiting other higher education institutions, including Kohinoor Management School and Jio Institute, to explore further academic and mobility partnerships.

The collaboration is further strengthened by UCSI University Sarawak Campus hosting the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Kuching, recognised by the United Nations University for advancing Education for Sustainable Development. — DayakDaily