Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) has marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by becoming the key technology provider for new polytechnics being established in Timor-Leste.
This development was formalised through a Letter of Intent (LoI) for Cooperation between UniKL and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of Timor-Leste, underscoring UniKL’s commitment to enhancing educational ties in the region.
The agreement was signed during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s working visit to Timor-Leste from 28 to 30 August.
The visit included senior Malaysian government officials and representatives from the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), UniKL, and PLANMalaysia.
Representing UniKL at the signing were its Chairman, Dato’ Sri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali, and President/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin.
This partnership will focus on key areas such as Digital Marketing, Food Technology, and Tourism Management.
Additionally, UniKL’s Centre for Advancement & Continuing Education (ACE) will offer hybrid short courses in Leadership, Finance, Management, and Entrepreneurship for Timor-Leste’s government officials.
In a further demonstration of its commitment, UniKL will award 50 scholarships to qualified Timorese students to pursue Master’s and PhD studies at the university.
Timor-Leste will also send government-sponsored undergraduate students to UniKL to study Chemical Engineering (Process and Food Technology), Tourism, and Business Administration through open-distance learning.
Another significant agreement was reached during Malaysia’s working visit to Timor-Leste, where UniKL signed a separate LoI for Cooperation with the Institute of Business (IOB) Timor-Leste.
Both parties will explore future collaboration on joint programmes, research, and initiatives aimed at enhancing TVET education and industry practices.
This collaboration will also involve the sharing and exchange of information, technology transfer, and expertise through training, seminars, workshops, and other knowledge-sharing events.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the significance of these collaborations, noting that they will strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education between Malaysia and Timor-Leste.
He also announced that Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, through Institut Kemajuan Desa (INFRA), will invite rural leaders from Timor-Leste to participate in leadership programs in Malaysia, allowing them to engage with case studies and gain valuable expertise in rural development.
“This initiative complements the recent signing of a LoI between UniKL and the Ministry of Higher Education of Timor-Leste to assist in establishing a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in the country,” Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid stated in a press release.
