Yemeni Academic Forum in Malaysia Discusses the Role of Immigrant Minds in Education and Scientific Research

Yesterday, the International Sustainable Research and Education Network ( ISREN ) held the first academic forum for Yemeni researchers in Malaysia, to discuss the role of migrant minds in enhancing education and scientific research in Yemen.

The forum, sponsored by our country's embassy in Malaysia, with the Yemeni Center for Studies and the Yemeni Students Union, was held in the UNITEN University Hall, with the participation of a number of Malaysian and Yemeni universities.

The forum highlighted the role of migrant minds in enhancing the educational process and developing scientific research in Yemen and Malaysia, and the importance of enhancing communication between academics at home and abroad to find creative solutions to educational challenges. It also highlighted establishing research and educational partnerships with Yemeni universities, benefiting from the expertise of Yemenis abroad, in addition to developing the quality of education through joint projects with Malaysian universities.

In a visual speech delivered by Dr. Adel Bahumid, our country’s ambassador to Malaysia, during the forum, he praised the efforts made by the forum’s organizers, stressing that “the only way to save our country from the problems it faces will be through science and scientific research.”

He added that "knowledge alone is capable of illuminating the path for a country struggling with successive crises," pointing to the importance of scientific research in addressing national issues and finding scientific solutions to current problems.

Bahumid stressed that such forums are of great importance, as they contribute to gathering the efforts of Yemeni researchers at home and abroad to serve the country in scientific ways.

He also called for concerted efforts by the Ministry of Higher Education, universities, researchers and community initiatives to achieve the desired goals, considering the forum an important step in the right direction. He stressed the need to study national files scientifically and accurately so that science can have its say.

The ambassador touched on the effects of the Houthi coup on the education system in Yemen, explaining that its repercussions caused great destruction and led to the consecration of terrorism and racism and the planting of a culture of hatred. He stressed that confronting these challenges requires great scientific efforts to rid the country and future generations of their dangerous effects.

In his speech, Dr. Abdullah Al-Shalif, President of the International Sustainable Research and Education Network ( ISREN ), welcomed the participants to the forum, expressing his appreciation to the organizers, participants and sponsors of the event. He stressed the importance of this event in enhancing academic and research cooperation between Yemenis inside and outside the country.

Dr. Al-Shalif praised the participating researchers, academics, and representatives of Yemeni universities, pointing out their pivotal role in supporting the higher education process in Yemen.

He added that this forum represents an important station for exchanging experiences and transforming the challenges facing Yemen into opportunities for construction and development, stressing that Yemen possesses a human wealth of creative minds that need appropriate support to advance the nation.

Dr. Al-Shalif also reviewed the achievements of the International Network for Sustainable Research and Education, stressing the need for community and official cooperation to save the education system in Yemen and ensure a better future for future generations. He called on the legitimate government to assume its responsibilities towards students and education, and to open up prospects for cooperation with local and international bodies to support the education sector.

The forum included discussions on three main axes: The first axis: Professor Dr. Dawood Abdul Malik Al-Hadabi (Faculty of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia) presented a working paper entitled "Quality in University Education in Developing Countries: Pros and Cons". In the second axis: Professor Dr. Nasser Zawiya (University of Rhode Island) presented a working paper entitled "The Role of Yemeni Communities in Promoting Research and Education in Yemen". In the third axis: Professor Dr. Eng. Yusri Yusuf (University of Tun Hussein Onn, Malaysia) presented a working paper entitled "The Malaysian Experience in Sustaining Research and Education: Innovative Solutions for a Changing World".

The forum was opened with a discussion panel moderated by Dr. Awaj Mohsen Awaj, in which Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Khadami, Cultural Counselor at our country’s embassy in Malaysia, spoke. The panel discussed ways to enhance education and scientific research in Yemen, stressing the importance of developing a national plan to develop education under the leadership of the Ministry of Higher Education, and improving the conditions of academics by solving the salary problem and supporting those returning to the homeland.

She also called for enhancing cooperation with Yemeni researchers abroad, and partnership with universities and relevant international organizations to develop curricula and scientific research.

The forum was attended by Dr. Judge Ahmed Attia, member of the legal team of the Presidential Leadership Council and former Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Dr. Ahmed Al-Khadami, Cultural Advisor, Dr. Faisal Ali, Head of the Yemeni Center for Studies, and Abdul Rahman Al-Nour, Head of the Yemeni Students Union in Malaysia, in addition to 300 Yemeni researchers and academics in the forum hall, and participants in the halls of Yemeni universities via the Internet.

The forum received great interaction from the participants, who stressed the importance of continuing such initiatives to enhance academic cooperation between Yemenis at home and abroad, and to benefit from international experiences to develop the Yemeni educational system. The speakers at the forum, as well as the sponsoring and supporting bodies, were honored.