KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today signed an agreement to provide postgraduate education in engineering, science and technology for Palestinian students under a six-year initiative beginning October 2026.
The programme, to run until April 2032, will support between 15 and 20 Palestinian students.
JICA will fund scholarships, while UTM and its Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) will provide research supervision, laboratory access and academic support.
The initiative builds upon Japan’s Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), reinforcing the shared commitment of Malaysia and Japan to Palestine’s long-term recovery.
Deputy director-general of Higher Education (Academic and Research) Prof Dr Zainal Amin Ayub officiated the signing ceremony, representing Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Present were JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka, Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Jehad Fouad Alqdra, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki and UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.
Mohd Shafry, in his speech, emphasised that a university must be a place where knowledge is created, but it must also be a place where knowledge is used to respond to the needs of society.
“The knowledge developed through research can support better infrastructure, safer communities, improved energy and water systems, stronger public services, and more sustainable development.
“However, technical knowledge alone is not enough. It must be combined with leadership, values, cooperation, and a clear understanding of the communities being served,” he said.
JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka, meanwhile, described the agreement as more than a scholarship programme, saying it represented an investment in Palestine’s future and its next generation of engineers, researchers and leaders.
He said developing skilled human capital would be as important as rebuilding physical infrastructure as Palestine moves towards recovery, particularly following the disruption to education in Gaza.
The programme also featured leadership dialogues focusing on the role of Palestinian scholars as future leaders in rebuilding their communities and advancing sustainable development.
-- BERNAMA