Bridging Cultures and Innovations: The Evolving Educational and Scientific Partnership Between Turkmenistan and Malaysia
The bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia, particularly in the fields of science and education, have advanced to a qualitatively new and sustainable level of development. These agreements and exchange programs not only open up new opportunities for students and educators but also strengthen the scientific foundation for strategic industries such as oil and gas, energy, and innovative technologies.
The roots of this cooperation trace back to Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed at the intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels in 2013 and 2014, establishing a solid, long-standing legal framework. This partnership intensified significantly following the official visit of the Government delegation of Turkmenistan to Malaysia in December 2024. During this historic visit, a series of key agreements were signed, building new bridges between various universities. Specifically, the International University for the Humanities and Development formalized relations with the University of Malaya, while University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Sunway University established key partnerships with Turkmen institutions like the State Energy Institute, the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute, the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications, and the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management. Additionally, the regular renewal of agreements between the Yagshygeldi Kakaev International University of Oil and Gas and the University Teknologi PETRONAS has become a cornerstone of this academic connection.
Local initiatives within Turkmenistan involving Malaysian companies and scientific institutions have greatly helped young specialists adopt global best practices. The "Open Door Days" organized by PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd at the Kiyanly settlement in the Balkan province serve as a practical school for students from the Balkanabat branch of the International University of Oil and Gas to present their engineering projects. This is complemented by strong digital education and professional development programs. Throughout 2023, University Teknologi PETRONAS conducted 12 digital lecture courses in English covering cutting-edge global oil and gas technologies for Turkmen students. In November 2024, four high-ranking professors from Malaysia visited the International University of Oil and Gas to conduct advanced professional development training, presenting international certificates to 80 students and 20 young lecturers. Furthermore, Malaysian students actively participate in international internet olympiads in Informatics and Theoretical Mechanics hosted by Turkmenistan, frequently winning top prizes.
The educational partnership extends well beyond Ashgabat, supported by regular visits of Turkmen delegations to Malaysia. In April 2024, representatives from the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University and the Myrat Garryev State Medical University attended the Asia Universities Summit in Kuala Lumpur. By 2025, the Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan alongside university rectors represented the nation at an international forum dedicated to attracting foreign investment to Turkmenistan's economy. Turkmen youth also stand out in international competitions; in September 2025, students from the Turkmen Agricultural University and the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics participated in the “Sustainable Development Goals – 2025” competition in Cyberjaya, and in April 2026, young talents from the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University showcased their skills at the “Hack@10 CTF 2026” cybersecurity competition in Kajang.
One of the most productive aspects of this scientific cooperation is the mutual exchange of faculty and students for practical training and internship programs abroad. Between 2023 and 2025, groups of lecturers and students regularly traveled to University Teknologi PETRONAS for professional development, advanced skill enhancement, and practical training. In the summer of 2025, a lecturer and six students from the International University for the Humanities and Development participated in "The Future is Now" summer school program at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, university students regularly complete their summer production internships directly at the production facilities of PETRONAS Carigali, providing them with an essential real-world foundation to become future industry professionals. Currently, there are 613 citizens of Turkmenistan pursuing higher education privately at various prestigious universities across Malaysia.
Malaysia's prominent standing in ASEAN and the global community, combined with Turkmenistan’s fundamental reforms in education and science, underscores the mutually beneficial and long-term nature of this strategic partnership. In May 2026, the 30th anniversary of PETRONAS Carigali’s operations and cooperation in Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector was celebrated. This milestone clearly demonstrates that the two friendly nations are confidently stepping into the future together, joined by the strong ties of economy, science, and education.
Aylar JYTDANOVA,
the 1st year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan