QIU’s collaboration with the nation of Seychelles has gone from strength to strength, after we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. and Horticulture (SIAH).
Our latest partner under this MoU, the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH), is a technical, vocational and training professional centre, providing quality training to learners who have a passion for agriculture and its associated fields.
Under the agreement, students from SIAH have a direct pathway to pursue life science degree programmes under QIU’s Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences.
The tie-up marks another significant step in strengthening QIU’s collaboration with the Republic of Seychelles and highlights both parties’ shared commitment to advancing agricultural education, sustainability, and capacity-building.
The MoU was signed by the Republic of Seychelles’ Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Mr Flavien Joubert and Global Integrated Training Associates (GITA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Goh.
QIU and SIAH will explore multiple areas of cooperation, including the development of a new diploma curriculum for SIAH and the creation of bridging courses to support students’ seamless transition from SIAH to QIU.
The MoU also outlines plans for credit transfer arrangements, ensuring eligible SIAH students gain advanced standing in QIU programmes. In addition, both institutions will work together to promote internationalisation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The partnership with SIAH builds upon QIU’s ongoing collaboration with the government of Seychelles. In May 2025, QIU entered into a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment to strengthen agricultural education and practices in Seychelles. The MoA introduced training and academic programmes in biotechnology, plant tissue culture, sustainable farming, and agricultural technology—initiatives designed to enhance food production, reduce import reliance, and equip Seychellois professionals with practical expertise.
The signing of this latest MoU with SIAH strengthens these existing ties and provides Seychellois students with greater access to higher education opportunities in Malaysia, while expanding the scope of knowledge-sharing and international collaboration between the two institutions.
Prior to the MoA, QIU had initiated collaboration with Seychelles through knowledge exchange programmes that focused on biotechnology training, smart farming practices, and plant tissue culture. These initiatives aimed to build capacity among Seychellois students and professionals, preparing them to return and contribute to the local agricultural sector.