Kuala lumpur: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is on track to further internationalise Malaysia's higher education sector through a comprehensive globalisation strategy, particularly in engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and high-impact technologies. UniMAP vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli emphasized that in today's increasingly complex global higher education ecosystem, universities must serve as key drivers of cross-border knowledge, technology, and innovation, rather than remaining exclusive or isolated.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015-2025 outlines 10 Shifts, with the eighth Shift on Global Prominence highlighting internationalisation as a key driver of national competitiveness. This strategy ensures that access for local students remains protected while attracting high-quality international students to enhance the university's global reputation. UniMAP aims to become a regional reference center in TVET, supporting Malaysia's agenda to be a world-class higher education hub.
International mobility is a crucial aspect of UniMAP's strategy, with the university welcoming 32 inbound international students under its Credited Mobility programme from institutions such as Institut Teknologi Sumatera (Indonesia), Universit© de Technologie de Compi¨gne (France), and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (Thailand). Other partner institutions include Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (India) and Universitas Syiah Kuala (Indonesia). Additionally, 11 UniMAP students have participated in its International Internship Programme in countries like Japan and Turkiye.
Zaliman stated that internationalisation is essential for the sustainability of technical education in the modern world. UniMAP values diversity among its students, academic staff, and international industry partners, which enhances its ability to produce competitive graduates with global perspectives and strong local roots. The university boasts close ties with leading technology industries, both locally and internationally, having signed over 220 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and memorandums of agreement (MoAs), and completed over 1,000 joint research projects with industry.
Through internationalisation, UniMAP expands its network of industrial collaborations, creating opportunities for training, joint research, and technology transfer. This is reflected in partnerships with renowned global players such as Intel, Micron, B.Braun, Huawei, Fuji Electric, Altera, Nihon Superior, and Qatar Airways.
Zaliman further noted that international students at UniMAP serve as 'little ambassadors' of Malaysia in their home countries, facilitating new collaboration avenues in engineering, TVET, and technology. Their presence enriches the academic environment and drives wider industry-academia collaborations.
UniMAP's current enrolment of over 470 international students reflects the growing global recognition of its academic and research quality. With strengths in engineering and TVET, UniMAP is dedicated to offering programmes aligned with regional and global industry needs. The university's achievements in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, joint research collaborations, technical innovations, and participation in international technical university networks continue to bolster both UniMAP's and Malaysia's reputation on the global stage.