KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 – Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) is expanding its network to Timor-Leste as part of the Malaysia-Japan Linkage Office (MJL) initiative, marked by a courtesy visit to collaborators in Timor-Leste. The delegation is led by Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif Saleh (Pro-Vice Chancellor of UTM Kuala Lumpur) and includes the Dean of MJIIT, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurulakmar Abu Husain; Deputy Registrar, Khairani Ibrahim; MJL Manager, Ir. Dr. Shahira Liza Kamis and experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Isamu Hamada. The main objectives of the visit to Dili, Timor-Leste, are to explore and identify potential collaborative projects with the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL). Timor-Leste is currently in the process of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aligning with MJL’s mission to establish itself as a leading Malaysian/Japanese industrial and educational hub connecting ASEAN and Japan. Additionally, MJL aims to share its innovative projects with JICA to support Timor-Leste’s development. The visit commenced on February 3rd at the Embassy of Malaysia in Dili, Timor-Leste. The arrival of the UTM MJIIT delegation was welcomed by His Excellency Dato’ Amarjit Singh Sarjit Singh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This courtesy visit aimed to gather information on Timor-Leste’s current development in education, the economy, and human capital.
On the same day, MJIIT visited the JICA Office in Dili. We had the opportunity to meet important JICA experts, including Hiroshi Kikawa, Keisuke Ujike, and Ryoichiro Masuda. The discussion with JICA focused on its activities in Timor-Leste. As the country moves toward ASEAN membership, JICA remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s development through various initiatives, including establishing a Graduate School of Engineering and constructing new buildings for the Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology at UNTL. The JICA Timor-Leste Office in Dili was established in March 2000 and has been working closely with the people of Timor-Leste to identify necessary steps for nation-building and the path toward achieving these goals.
On February 4th, the delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology at UNTL to explore potential activities such as collaborative academic programs, student and staff exchanges, and a summer school mobility program. Prof. Dr. Joao S. Martins, the current Rector of UNTL, warmly welcomed the MJIIT delegation and Domingos de Sousa Freitas, the Deputy Dean for Cooperation and Research Affairs. To initiate the collaboration, MJIIT and the Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology at UNTL will exchange information, appoint MJIIT lecturers as co-supervisors for the Master’s program at UNTL, and draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Recently, the UTM MJIIT delegation had the chance to meet with Julio Aparicio, the Executive Director of the Human Capital Development Fund (HCDF), along with his team. They gained insights into the Human Capital Development Fund Timor-Leste (FDCH), which offers scholarships for education and human capital development. The FDCH is designed to support the advancement of Timor-Leste students seeking higher education in Malaysia. During their discussions, Julio addressed important topics, including English language requirements and the possibility of sending Timor-Leste students to UTM MJIIT next year.
The visit of the MJIIT delegation to Timor-Leste marks an important milestone in establishing MJL at UTM MJIIT. MJL plays a vital role in starting various programs to enhance collaboration with ASEAN partners. We believe that each initiative fosters mutual understanding and societal progress, benefiting ASEAN, Malaysia, Japan, Timor-Leste, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) as a whole.