i-CATS, ITU Strengthen Aerospace Collaboration

KUCHING, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- i-CATS University College (i-CATS) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) have embarked on a strategic collaboration to enhance aerospace education, research and talent development.

The initiative, formalised at a recent engagement in Istanbul, is aimed at supporting Sarawak’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for aerospace and high-technology industries while expanding i-CATS’ international collaborations.

Among the areas of cooperation are the exchange of graduate students in Astronautical Engineering, joint research projects in aerospace and related fields, as well as the sharing of scientific materials and information to promote innovation and knowledge advancement.

Both institutions also agreed to organise academic visits, faculty exchanges and training programmes, including opportunities for i-CATS lecturers to undergo specialised training at ITU to strengthen their expertise in aerospace education and research.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of i-CATS, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, described the collaboration as a significant milestone for the institution.

“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 in a statement today.

Vice-Chancellor of i-CATS, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, said partnering with ITU, a globally recognised leader in engineering and aerospace research, reflects the university college’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation that will benefit Sarawak and the wider region.

ITU Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, Prof Dr İpek Akın Karadayı, said the university values strong global partnerships that open doors for knowledge exchange, advanced research and industry linkages.

“Our collaboration with i-CATS University College will create valuable opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the aerospace sector in Turkiye, Sarawak and beyond,” she added.

Both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership would foster innovation, strengthen aerospace education and contribute to regional growth in the high-technology sector.

-- BERNAMA