By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 18: i-CATS University College (i-CATS) and Istanbul Teknik University (ITU) have formalised a strategic partnership to advance collaboration in aerospace education, research, and talent development.
The agreement was cemented during a visit to ITU in Türkiye on Sept 16 by the i-CATS UC delegation led by Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Husain.
According to a media release, this collaboration supports Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional hub for aerospace and high-technology industries while reinforcing i-CATS’s commitment to expand its international network in the aerospace sector.
Under the partnership, both institutions will pursue initiatives such as graduate student exchanges in Astronautical Engineering, collaborative research addressing emerging challenges in aerospace, the sharing of scientific materials and information to drive innovation, as well as academic visits and faculty exchanges aimed at strengthening capacity and expertise.
The agreement also includes talent development programmes, with ITU offering specialised training opportunities for i-CATS lecturers to further enhance their knowledge in aerospace education and research.
Abdul Aziz, who also serves as chairman of the i-CATS Board of Directors, described the collaboration as a milestone in the university’s journey.
“This collaboration with Istanbul Teknik University marks another significant milestone in i-CATS’ journey to become a driving force in aerospace education and research. It underscores Sarawak’s vision of positioning ourselves as leaders in high-technology industries, while ensuring our students and researchers are exposed to world-class expertise and opportunities,” he said.
i-CATS Vice Chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi emphasised the value of partnering with a global leader.
“i-CATS University College is proud to partner with Istanbul Teknik University, a globally recognised leader in engineering and aerospace research. This collaboration reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation that will benefit Sarawak and the wider region,” he added.
From ITU’s perspective, Vice Rector for Education and International Affairs Prof Dr İpek Akın Karadayı underlined the importance of strong global partnerships that open doors for innovation, knowledge exchange, and advanced research.
“Our collaboration with i-CATS University College will not only strengthen academic and industry linkages but also create valuable opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the aerospace sector in Türkiye, Sarawak, and beyond,” he said.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the collaboration will foster innovation, enhance aerospace education, and contribute to regional growth in high-technology industries. — DayakDaily
