UTM presented its talent development initiative to support Johor-Singapore economic cooperation.
H.E. Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, received a courtesy call from YBrs. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), on 2 November 2026 in Singapore. The meeting, held during Prof. Mohd Shafry’s working visit to Singapore, focused on potential research and development partnerships, advanced technology applications and initiatives supporting the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
The visit provided an opportunity for UTM to explore collaboration with companies in Singapore, particularly in research and development involving emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The university sought to identify potential industry partners outside Malaysia to expand its research capabilities and explore opportunities for applying advanced technologies.
Discussions also addressed UTM’s role in supporting the implementation of the JS-SEZ, particularly through initiatives aimed at attracting high-quality economic sectors that could generate benefits for Johor. The special economic zone is a key area of cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, with the visit highlighting UTM’s proposed contribution through education, talent development and industry engagement.
During the courtesy call, the UTM delegation introduced the UTM JS-SEZ initiative, a proposed one-stop talent development centre designed to provide technical, professional and academic training programmes. These programmes are intended to align with the workforce requirements of industries operating within the JS-SEZ and support the development of relevant skills and professional capabilities.
The initiative also seeks to facilitate closer engagement between institutions of higher learning, government agencies and industry stakeholders. Through this approach, UTM aims to connect academic and technical training with the evolving needs of businesses and industries associated with the special economic zone.
The High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore expressed its readiness to assist UTM in establishing connections with relevant industries and stakeholders in Singapore. Such engagement would support the university’s efforts to identify potential partners and advance the UTM JS-SEZ initiative.
The courtesy call provided a platform to discuss how UTM’s research capabilities and talent development programmes could contribute to the objectives of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Source: High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore
