UMPSA strengthens educational ties with Kazakhstan

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 January 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is set to enhance its academic and research collaboration with Kazakhstan following a visit to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia. Led by UMPSA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor  Dr. Yatimah Alias, the engagement marked a significant step in fostering stronger ties between the two nations in higher education.

During the visit, Professor Dr. Yatimah met with His Excellency Bulat Sarsenbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, and Ms. Akmaral Belgibekova, Second Secretary. 

Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships with Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), and Suleyman Demirel University (SDU), while exploring new opportunities in academic, research, and industrial collaboration.

A key highlight was the potential for joint research initiatives in agricultural technology, engineering, and biotechnology, alongside the expansion of student and faculty mobility programmes. 
 

Both parties emphasised the importance of collaborative research in addressing global challenges, promoting sustainable industrial practices, and driving technological innovation. 

They also discussed increasing participation in cross-border learning opportunities to provide students and researchers with valuable international exposure.

To support these efforts, the provision of scholarships and financial aid for Kazakh students at UMPSA was explored. 

The Embassy of Kazakhstan expressed strong interest in expanding scholarship opportunities, aligning with both institutions’ vision of making higher education more accessible and globally competitive.

His Excellency Bulat Sarsenbayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening academic ties with Malaysia, noting that 2025 has been designated as the Year of Working Professions, aiming to enhance the prestige of vocational roles and reform technical and vocational education. 

This initiative reflects the nation's commitment to developing a skilled workforce aligned with market demands. 

He highlighted Malaysia’s role as a valuable education partner and expressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to increasing the number of Kazakh students at UMPSA.

Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias highlighted UMPSA’s dedication to global collaboration, stating, strong international partnerships are key to driving excellence in higher education and research. 

“By enhancing strategic cooperation with Kazakh universities, we can create impactful initiatives that deliver significant benefits to students, faculty, and industry partners alike,” she said. 

Accompanying Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias during the visit were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Associate Professor Dr. Aizi Nor Mazila Ramli, and representatives from the Centre for International Relations.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and industry partnerships.

Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias expressed her appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Embassy of Kazakhstan and reiterated UMPSA’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships and fostering a highly skilled workforce.
 

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre For International Relations