JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 20 – “UTM–QIU is one of the best options in Iraq, and studying under this partnership has shaped our futures in ways we never imagined,” shared Rawa Rebwar Hama Amin, a Software Engineering graduate and one of the 22 Qaiwan International University (QIU) students attending the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) 69th Convocation.
This year marks another milestone in the transformative educational collaboration between UTM and Qaiwan International University, a partnership designed to expand global access to high-quality engineering and technology programmes. Through this initiative, students in Kurdistan are able to pursue UTM-accredited degrees while studying at QIU, a model that combines international standards with regional accessibility.
For Rawa and Biomedical Engineering graduate Amez Abdalqadir Karim, enrolling in the UTM–QIU transnational programme was a defining step in their academic and personal growth. “I wanted Software Engineering, and UTM–QIU offered the programme in the region with strong ranking and quality,” Rawa shared. Amez added, “Very few universities in Iraq offer Biomedical Engineering. UTM–QIU gave me the chance to pursue the field I love.”
The programme’s structure includes comprehensive coursework, industrial training, and research projects, challenging students to apply their learning in practical contexts. Rawa recalled managing a heavy load of assignments and a 20-week industrial training, which required careful time management and dedication. Amez faced her own hurdle with her final-year project, conducting multiple trials and relying on research and guidance from lecturers to ensure successful outcomes.
Beyond academics, the UTM–QIU programme encourages leadership and personal growth through clubs, initiatives, and community engagement. Amez highlighted her experience founding a Mental Health Awareness Club, which provided opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills alongside peers.
The programme also connects students to global opportunities, with recommendation letters and programme endorsement facilitating participation in international mobility and collaborative projects. Even without visiting Malaysia, graduates benefit from the global recognition of their UTM-accredited degree, enhancing career prospects and further education pathways.
Looking ahead, the UTM–QIU transnational programme aims to continue nurturing future leaders, offering pathways for advanced degrees and professional growth. Its graduates leave equipped not only with knowledge but also with practical experience, leadership skills, and global readiness, making them well-prepared for both local and international career opportunities.
As the partnership marks another milestone, it demonstrates how transnational education can bridge borders, combining quality education, personal development, and global employability, all within the context of local accessibility.
