Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) has formalised two landmark partnerships with the Provincial Governments of DKI Jakarta and Sumatera Barat (SUMBAR), Indonesia, through the signing of Letters of Intent (LoIs).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the signing of these LoIs underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), while also stimulating socio-economic growth in both countries.
“It also reflects Malaysia and Indonesia’s dedication to producing a skilled workforce equipped to face global challenges, combining academic excellence with cultural values for sustainable development.
“These five-year collaborations are expected to leverage UniKL’s academic and research capabilities, supported by regional government policies and Indonesia’s industry networks.
“The goal is to enhance employability through industry-aligned TVET programmes, strengthen research and innovation in vocational education, promote cultural preservation through curriculum integration, and drive economic growth powered by an agile and adaptable workforce,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 21 April 2025, during his three-day official visit to the country.
UniKL was represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin. The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta was represented by its Deputy Governor, Mr. Rano Karno, while SUMBAR was represented by its Governor, Mr. Mahyeldi Ansharullah.
Also in attendance, the Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Dato’ Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki, the Chairman of UniKL, Dato’ Sri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali and the Director General of MARA, Dato’ Zulfikri Osman.
The LoI with DKI Jakarta focuses on developing TVET programmes in key areas, including joint research, student mobility, industry linkages, technical support, and credit transfer.
This initiative supports Jakarta’s aspiration to develop a skilled workforce for infrastructure development, urban planning, and public administration, advancing its vision to become a global economic hub.
Meanwhile, the LoI with SUMBAR introduces the Ulul Albab Hufaz TVET Minangkabau programme, which integrates Islamic principles and Minangkabau cultural heritage into vocational training.
The programme aims to empower Hafiz al-Quran (Quran memorisers) with technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills to meet both local and international industry demands.
“Through this approach, UniKL aims to attract between 1,000 and 1,500 applicants from Indonesia annually, with DKI Jakarta and West Sumatra identified as the primary recruitment zones during the initial phase.
“This initiative supports Malaysia’s policy of exporting education and fostering academic mobility within the ASEAN region,” he added.
In addition, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid also witnessed the exchange of LoI documents between the Government of West Sumatra and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), marking a strategic collaboration to coordinate and facilitate the enrolment of sponsored students from West Sumatra into Malaysian higher education institutions.
The scope of collaboration includes student visa applications, pre-departure programmes, and student placement at suitable universities in Malaysia.
