Taylor’s University Deepens Higher Education Collaboration with Timor-Leste

16 Sep 2026

3 Min Read

Professor Ts Dr Magiswary Dorasamy (Academic Contributor), The Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Taylor’s University welcomed seven officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MHESC), Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, for a five-day professional training programme held from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus. Organised by Professor Ts Magiswary Dorasamy and business faculty members from the School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, the programme was designed to strengthen knowledge and capacity in higher education development.

The programme brought together senior representatives from MHESC and Taylor’s University for a focused exchange on higher education development, with discussions covering knowledge, expertise and perspectives from both sides. The session provided an opportunity to share experiences and approaches relevant to the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and Malaysia.

The training was conducted by Professor Dr Hazman Shah Abdullah, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and an experienced higher education consultant. Drawing on his experience, he guided the MHESC delegation through areas including programme approval, quality assurance and institutional development, providing practical insights into Malaysia’s higher education system and its regulatory processes.

Strengthening Malaysia-Timor-Leste Higher Education Engagement

The programme opened with a ceremony attended by Professor Dr Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University; Professor Dr Anthony Ho, Pro Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement; Professor Dr Darren Bagnell, Pro Vice Chancellor for Academics; other Taylor’s University leaders; officials from MHESC; and His Excellency Lisualdo Gaspar, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Malaysia.

Delegates from MHESC and Taylor’s University seated around a boardroom table during the opening session of the training programme

Over the five days, the programme centred on capacity building for the visiting officials in higher education and institutional development, paired with a genuine exchange of knowledge between Malaysian and Timor-Leste stakeholders. Delegates were given exposure to Malaysia’s higher education and quality assurance ecosystem, while sessions also focused on strengthening institutional networks between Taylor’s University, MHESC and higher education institutions in Timor-Leste. Beyond the training itself, both sides used the week to explore future opportunities for research collaboration, academic programmes and knowledge partnerships, laying the groundwork for deeper engagement between Taylor’s University and Timor-Leste’s higher education sector.

A Taylor’s University representative exchanging a token of appreciation with a member of the MHESC delegation

Building Long-Term Academic Partnerships

The programme has opened the door to further academic and research collaboration between Taylor’s University and institutions in Timor-Leste. Opportunities now being explored include joint research, research grants, academic collaboration, professional development and capacity-building initiatives, in line with Taylor’s University’s broader commitment to international partnerships that create impact beyond the University.

Taylor’s University leaders addressing the MHESC delegation in a meeting room, with a “Welcome to Taylor’s” message displayed on the screens behind them

The positive feedback from the MHESC delegation and Professor Hazman reflected the strength of the collaborative spirit that ran through the five-day programme.

'This programme represents more than a training initiative. It is an important first step towards building a sustained relationship between Taylor’s University and the higher education sector in Timor-Leste. We hope to continue creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and capacity building that contribute meaningfully to the development of higher education in the region,' said Professor Ts Dr Magiswary Dorasamy, Head of Research, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University.

Looking Ahead

Taylor’s University looks forward to building on the momentum from this programme and expanding its engagement with MHESC and higher education institutions in Timor-Leste. Through continued collaboration, the University aims to contribute its expertise and networks towards higher education transformation, research excellence and capacity development, creating new opportunities for academics, researchers and students across the region.

Group photograph of the MHESC delegation and Taylor’s University representatives at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus

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