Wawasan Open University (WOU) and the Government of Malaysia, represented by the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI), have signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to widen access to higher education and upskilling for JMTI staff and alumni, helping strengthen Malaysia’s technical workforce.

By linking WOU, a private open distance learning university, with JMTI, a government technical training institution under Jabatan Tenaga Manusia (JTM), Ministry of Human Resources, the government-academia cooperation aims to accelerate upskilling, meet workforce demand, and strengthen competitiveness in the job market.

Under the agreement, JMTI staff and alumni will have opportunities to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral qualifications in designated technology and related fields. The agreement also includes the delivery of short courses, career development programmes, and the exchange of expertise through curriculum development, research, publications, and knowledge sharing.

To make further study more affordable, WOU will provide tuition fee rebates for JMTI staff and alumni enrolling in the bachelor’s degree programmes specified in the MoC.

The memorandum was signed at WOU’s main campus in Penang on 14 October 2026 by its Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yap Eng Hwa, and JMTI Director Ts. Hj. Zulkifle bin Omar, representing the Government of Malaysia.

JMTI Deputy Director (Operations), Roshaniza binti Md Hashim (left) and WOU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Sean Tan look on as Prof. Yap and Ts. Hj. Zulkifle Omar sign the MoC.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Yap highlighted the urgency of talent development as Malaysia works towards the National Semiconductor Strategy’s target of training and upskilling 60,000 engineers by 2030.

“With only a few years left before then, there is little time to lose. We need to accelerate talent development, alongside investment in the technology and infrastructure that support industrial growth.”

Continued learning is essential for those in technical careers to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, says Prof. Yap.

He added that continued learning is essential, especially for those in technical careers, to keep their knowledge relevant and their capabilities up to date.

In his speech, Ts. Hj. Zulkifle said the collaboration would not only benefit individuals but also strengthen JMTI’s capacity to respond to the evolving needs of industry and technological advancement.

Ts Hj Zulkifle says the collaboration offers meaningful benefits to the JMTI community.

“The exchange of expertise and knowledge between our institutions will contribute to improving the quality of technical education and training at JMTI.

“For our instructors, the opportunity to engage in university-level teaching and academic activities will further enhance their knowledge, teaching experience, and professional development. Our alumni will also have additional pathways to pursue higher qualifications, strengthen their technical expertise, and advance their careers,” he said.