KUALA LUMPUR: CAN the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin merger work?
Student enrolment rose by 11 per cent against the UK’s average of 1.8 per cent, apart from attracting £350 million a year in research income and £550 million in student fees. “Whilst there was initial voluntary severance for staff that chose to leave, the combined institution soon experienced increased recruitment, particularly research staff, as it delivered on its strategic objectives for growth and scale,” Rothwell wrote.
“If we have two universities that are not doing too well, why not help by consolidating them? That way, we will have better quality control. UMT chairman Tan Sri Halim Mohammad defended the merger, citing greater synergy, strength, skills, sharing of assets and economic benefits for both varsities.