Institute of Mountain Science, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research of Shinshu University (SU), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Academic Collaboration and Cultural Cooperation with Institute of Borneo Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

A signing ceremony for MoU was held in UNIMAS on September 12th. From UNIMAS, Prof. Dr. Kopli Bujang (Deputy Vice Chancellor) and Associate Prof. Dr. Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (Director) , and from SU, Associate Prof. Dr.Kentaro Kanazawa and Graduate Students of research laboratory of Prof. Shigeyuki Izumiyama attended the ceremony. Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr.Kopli expressed his expectations for further development of both Institutes, both Universities through academic exchanges.

Sarawak, Malaysia, where Institute of Borneo Studies is located, has been recognized as the world's highest level of biodiversity, more than 20 ethnic groups live as well, the institute is in a suitable environment to learn the tropical natural environment and multiculturalism. Especially in the central highlands of Borneo there are wild life and diverse indigenous cultures are kept alive.

With the conclusion of this agreement, we are expected to promote academic exchanges including collaborative research from the perspective of the common elements such as the natural environment, the livelihood and the culture of mountain highlands.