Malaysia shifts focus to tech fields in Türkiye education collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is shifting its higher education collaboration with Türkiye towards technology and technical fields, moving beyond traditional areas such as literature and history.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the move will be a key focus of the second Malaysia–Türkiye Joint Committee (JC) meeting, which Malaysia will host this year.

He said the collaboration builds on the agreement signed between both countries to strengthen cooperation in higher education through structured engagement and annual meetings.

"Previously, Malaysian students who pursued their studies in Türkiye were mostly in fields such as literature, history and Ottoman studies, including learning the Turkish language.

"However, we recognise that Turkish universities have strong capabilities in technology-related fields, and we are now expanding our focus in that direction," he said at a media briefing at Menara Dato' Onn today.

Zambry said Malaysia has identified suitable higher education institutions in Türkiye for collaboration, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, green technology, sustainability and digital transformation.

He added that efforts are underway to broaden student mobility into these fields, in line with national priorities and global demand.

"This includes plans to send more Malaysian students to Türkiye to pursue studies in technical and technology disciplines," he said.

Zambry said the initiative also involves Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), following an announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister.

"Mara has agreed in principle to send its students in technical and technology fields to Türkiye, and this will also involve lecturers to gain greater exposure in these areas," he said.

The collaboration will involve public universities, government-linked universities, polytechnics and private higher education institutions from both countries.

Zambry said both nations are also expected to strengthen joint research, capacity building and academic exchanges, including training programmes for students, lecturers and researchers.

He described the joint committee as a key platform to deepen bilateral ties and ensure cooperation delivers meaningful outcomes.

"This collaboration between Malaysia and Türkiye, particularly in education and technology, will benefit both countries in the long term," he said.