POH: Perak Educity, an entity under the State Economic Development Corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding with Jaipur National University yesterday to set up a campus here, in line with the vision to make the state an education hub.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who witnessed the signing, said the state government was identifying suitable areas, particularly around Seri Iskandar, for the campus’ site.

“Jaipur National University is a renowned university and is now expanding outside of India,” he told reporters.

Perak Educity was represented at the signing by its chairman, Datuk Abdul Rashid Ghani, and Jaipur National University by its chairman and chancellor, Sandeep Bakshi.

Zambry said the state government was committed to bringing more internationally-renowned institutions of higher learning to Perak, with the goal of turning it into a knowledge-based state.

Based in Rajasthan, India, Jaipur National University is expected to invest RM150 million to set up the campus.

Sandeep Bakshi said the university — which had previously collaborated with world-renowned institutions such as the Lincoln University, University of Central Lancashire and London School of Business Management — was keen to set up the campus in the state.

Prior to the completion of the campus, the university will open a temporary campus in Ipoh next July, targeting between 2,000 and 3,000 students, mostly Malaysians, to take courses in engineering, nursing and hospitality.

Jaipur National University expects to accommodate between 5,000 and 6,000 students upon the completion of the permanent campus. — Bernama