Holding the First Academic Forum for Yemeni Researchers in Malaysia - 2024

Yemenyoon Report: The International Network for Research and Sustainable Education (ISREN) held the first academic forum for Yemeni researchers in Malaysia yesterday at the UNITEN University hall. The event was sponsored by the Embassy of Yemen in Malaysia and organized in collaboration with Yemenyoon Studies Center and the Yemeni Students’ Union. Several Malaysian and Yemeni universities also participated. The forum highlighted the role of expatriate intellects in enhancing educational processes and advancing scientific research in Yemen and Malaysia. It emphasized the importance of strengthening connections between academics inside and outside Yemen to find innovative solutions to educational challenges and establish research and educational partnerships with Yemeni universities. The initiative aims to leverage the expertise of Yemeni expatriates and improve education quality through joint projects with Malaysian universities.

In a video address during the forum, Dr. Adel Bahameed, the Yemeni Ambassador to Malaysia, praised the efforts of the organizers. He emphasized that "the path to resolving the issues facing our country lies in education and scientific research." He added, "Only knowledge can illuminate the way forward for a nation struggling with successive crises," stressing the importance of scientific research in addressing national issues and finding scientific solutions to current problems.

Dr. Bahameed underlined the significant importance of such forums, as they bring together the efforts of Yemeni researchers at home and abroad to serve the nation scientifically. He called for the concerted efforts of 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 also emphasized the need to study national issues scientifically and accurately.

The ambassador discussed the impact of the Houthi coup on Yemen's education system, highlighting the significant destruction caused and how it has fostered terrorism, racism, and hatred. He emphasized that addressing these challenges requires substantial scientific efforts to free the country and future generations from their dangerous consequences.

In his speech, Dr. Abdullah Al-Shalif, CEO of ISREN, welcomed the participants, expressing his appreciation to the organizing, participating, and sponsoring entities. He highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening academic and research collaboration among Yemenis at home and abroad.

Dr. Al-Shalif praised the participating researchers, academics, and representatives of Yemeni universities for their pivotal role in supporting higher education in Yemen. He stated that the forum serves as a critical platform for exchanging experiences and turning Yemen's challenges into opportunities for development. He emphasized that Yemen possesses a wealth of creative minds that need proper support to advance the nation.

He also reviewed ISREN's achievements, stressing the need for both community and official cooperation to save Yemen's education system and ensure a better future for the next generations. He urged the legitimate government to take responsibility for students and education, opening avenues for collaboration with local and international institutions to support the education sector.

The forum addressed three main themes:

First Theme: Presented by Prof. Dr. Dawood Abdulmalek Yahya Al-Hidabi  (Faculty of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia), titled "Quality in Higher Education in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges."

Second Theme: Presented by Prof. Dr. Nasser Hussein Zawia (University of Rhode Island), titled "The Role of Yemeni Communities in Enhancing Research and Education in Yemen."

Third Theme: Presented by Prof. Ir. Dr. Yousri Sri Bin Yosof (University of Tun Hussein Onn, Malaysia), titled "The Malaysian Experience in Sustaining Research and Education: Innovative Solutions for a Changing World."

The forum began with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Awaj Mohsen Al-Awaj, an ambassador of ISREN. Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Khadmi, the Cultural Advisor at the Yemeni Embassy in Malaysia, also participated. The discussion focused on ways to enhance education and scientific research in Yemen, stressing the importance of a national plan led by the Ministry of Higher Education. It highlighted improving academics' conditions by addressing salary issues and supporting returnees to Yemen. The discussion also emphasized strengthening collaboration with Yemeni researchers abroad and partnering with international universities and organizations to develop curricula and research.

The event was attended by Dr. Judge Ahmed Attia, a member of the legal team of the Presidential Leadership Council and former Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance; Dr. Ahmed Al-Khadmi, Cultural Advisor; Dr. Faisal Ali, President of the Yemenis Studies Center; Abdulrahman Al-Noor, President of the Yemeni Students’ Union in Malaysia; and approximately 300 Yemeni researchers and academics. Attendees included both in-person participants at the conference hall and virtual participants from Yemeni universities.

The forum witnessed significant interaction from participants, who emphasized the importance of continuing such initiatives to enhance academic cooperation among Yemenis at home and abroad. They highlighted the need to leverage international experiences to develop Yemen's educational system. The conference hall saw intensive discussions, with many academics contributing valuable interventions and questions. Notable contributions came from Professor Dr. Mohammed Ashour, President of Seiyun University; Professor Dr. Ahmed Bafadl, Director of the Research and Development Center at the University of the Holy Quran and Islamic Sciences; Dr. Abdul Salam Yahya, Vice President of the University of Science and Technology, Marib branch; and Dr. Yahya Al-Khaderi, Deputy Dean of Sarh Marib College for Academic Affairs.

The event concluded with the honoring of speakers, sponsors, and supporters.

For more details about the Forum Please visit the Forum page