Kuala lumpur: 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, which will run until April 2032, aims to support between 15 and 20 Palestinian students.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JICA will fund the scholarships, while UTM and its Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) will provide research supervision, laboratory access, and academic support. This 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.

The signing ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Director-General of Higher Education (Academic and Research) Prof Dr Zainal Amin Ayub, who represented Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. Notable attendees included 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.

During the ceremony, Prof Dr Mohd Shafry emphasized the dual role of universities as places for both the creation and application of knowledge to meet societal needs. He highlighted that the knowledge developed through research could support better infrastructure, safer communities, improved energy and water systems, stronger public services, and more sustainable development. However, he noted that technical knowledge must be paired with leadership, values, cooperation, and a clear understanding of the communities being served.

JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka described the agreement as more than a scholarship programme, viewing it as an investment in Palestine's future and its next generation of engineers, researchers, and leaders. He stressed the importance of developing skilled human capital alongside rebuilding physical infrastructure as Palestine progresses towards recovery, particularly following disruptions to education in Gaza.

The programme also includes leadership dialogues that focus on the role of Palestinian scholars as future leaders in rebuilding their communities and advancing sustainable development.