On June 12, 2024, the Information Management and Library Science Program at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kedah, Malaysia, held a collaboration event focusing on strategic discussions and a public lecture. Given that most students at UiTM Kedah are majoring in Library and Information Management, the public lecture by Dr. Safirotu Khoir, PhD, titled “Gen Z is the Backbone of the Library: How to Engage?” was held at the UiTM Kedah Malaysia campus and attended by all UiTM students majoring in Library and Information Management.
This collaboration event began with an interactive discussion on various aspects of academic and research collaboration. UiTM Kedah was represented by Prof. Madya TS Dr. Asmadi Mohammed Ghazali and Dr. Mohd Zool Hilmie Bin Mohamed Sawal. The discussion not only addressed strategies and opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions but also explored challenges faced in the field of information management and library science. Through this discussion, both parties hoped to strengthen their relationship and enhance the quality of education and research.
Following the discussion session, the event continued with a public lecture delivered by Dr. Safirotu Khoir, PhD, a lecturer in the Information Management and Library Science Program at SPs UGM and the Quality Assurance Coordinator of the program. In the public lecture, Dr. Safirotu Khoir discussed topics relevant to the needs and interests of Gen Z students, such as developments in information technology, digital literacy, and the role of libraries in the digital era.
Several UiTM students who interacted stated that Dr. Safirotu Khoir’s presence at the event provided new insights and inspiration for students, which is expected to motivate them to be more active in developing knowledge and skills in the field of information management. Additionally, this event also provided students with the opportunity to interact directly with experts in their field, enriching their learning experience.
This collaborative event was very positive and beneficial, aligning with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. With this collaboration, it is hoped that a strong and sustainable partnership between UGM and UiTM Kedah will be established, contributing to the enhancement of the quality of education and research at both institutions.
Overall, this event not only strengthens the relationship between UGM and UiTM Kedah, which already has a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), but also provides a positive impact on the academic and professional development of the involved students and lecturers.
Tags: UGM Graduate School; UGM Postgraduate; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; IKU 3; UGM; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Author: Safirotu Khoir, PhD
Editor: Arfikah Istari