Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme

The history of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) dates as far back as the First Commonwealth Heads of States (CHOGM) meeting in Sydney in February 1978, where the idea was first conceived. The MTCP was officially launched on 7 September, 1980 at the Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting in New Delhi, India, to signify Malaysia’s commitment to South-South cooperation, in particular Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC).

In line with the spirit of South-South cooperation, the MTCP, which is a bilateral technical cooperation programme, shares development experiences with other developing countries. This “prosper-thy-neighbour” philosophy is the underlying basis for the MTCP. The Programme was first formulated based on the belief that the development of a country depends on the quality of its human resources. The programme provides various forms of technical cooperation in areas where Malaysia has the experience and expertise. The MTCP emphasises the development of human resources through the provision of training in various areas which are essential for a country’s development such as public administration, agriculture, poverty alleviation, investment promotion, ICT, banking and English language.

The Economic Planning Unit, which is the national focal point for all technical cooperation, is responsible for the administration and coordination of MTCP activities. Since its inception, the MTCP has expanded in terms of its scope and coverage with emphasis on the exchange of development experience. More than 2,000 participants from 135 member countries come to Malaysia annually under the MTCP. Currently the MTCP has a membership of about 13,400 alumni worldwide. About 130 short-term specialized courses are offered by the 35 MTCP training institutions, many of which are centres of excellence for training, with the aim of building human capital in other developing countries.

i. To share development experience with other countries;
ii. To strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and other developing countries;
iii. To promote South-South Cooperation; and
iv. To promote technical cooperation among developing countries.

The types of cooperation available under the MTCP are as follows:

i. Provision of long-term fellowship and scholarship for degree courses at Malaysian public universities.
ii. Provision of short-term specialised training for participants at various training institutions and Government agencies in Malaysia.
iii. Study visits and practical attachment at participating Government agencies in Malaysia.
iv. Advisory services by Malaysian experts.
v. Other assistance, including socio-economic projects and provisions of supplies and equipment on a very selective basis.

In line with Malaysia’s foreign policy on promoting regional economic integration, Malaysia strongly supports the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) adopted by ASEAN leaders in 2002 for a 6-year period until 2008. The IAI is a policy framework, which aims to narrow the development gap within ASEAN. The MTCP provides capacity building programmes for the CLMV countries through its short and long term courses as well as projects to address the digital divide and need for technical skills.

The MTCP also collaborates with international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Colombo Plan and Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) through Third Country Training Programme (TCTP). These TCTPs are organised through partnerships with several MTCP training institutions.

All applications for scholarships, training awards, study visits and attachment should be made in the prescribed forms and supported by a medical report. The applications must be endorsed and channelled through the respective Government of the applicants concerned. Applications must reach the relevant agencies in Malaysia not later than three (3) months before the commencement of the course/ study visit/attachment. Since courses, study visits and attachments are conducted in English, participants are required to have an appropriate level of proficiency in English. Each country is encouraged to nominate not more than two candidates for each course.

a) Long-Term Courses at Tertiary Level

Candidates should apply directly to the Malaysian universities to obtain admission into the universities. Upon acceptance by the universities, they could apply for the MTCP scholarships through the diplomatic channel. However, acceptance by the universities would not automatically guarantee the MTCP scholarships for the candidates.

Further information can be obtained from:

The Secretary General
Ministry of Higher Education
Scholarships Division
Block E 3, Level 5
Parcel E, Presint 1
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62505 PUTRAJAYA
Telephone: 03-88835000
Fax: 03-88895141

The Director General
Economic Planning Unit
Prime Minister’s Department
External Assistance Section
Block B5, Level 2,
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62502 PUTRAJAYA
Telephone: 03-88882882/88882886
Fax: 03-88883876
Email: mtcp@epu.jpm.my

b) Short-Term Specialised Training Courses

The Malaysian missions abroad would distribute the brochures prepared by the MTCP training institutions on the short-term specialized training courses. Participating countries would select potential candidates and forward their nominations to the Malaysian Embassies/High Commissions for onward transmission to the Malaysian Government. The final selection of candidates would be undertaken by the various Selection Committees in the implementing training institutions.

Contact Details:

The Secretary General
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Wisma Putra
No. 1, Bukit Wisma Putra
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62502 PUTRAJAYA
Cable : WISMA PUTRA KUALA LUMPUR
Telex : WISMA MA 30310/30382
Telephone : 603-88874000
Fax : 603-88891717

c) Study Visits / Attachment Programmes / Advisory Services / Project-Type Assistance

Requests for such cooperation should be submitted by the participating countries or third parties either directly to the EPU for consideration or through Malaysian missions abroad.

1. Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM)
2. Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM)
3. Centre for Foundation Studies and Extension Education (FOSEE), Multimedia University (MMU)
4. Civil Aviation College (DCA)
5. Cooperative College of Malaysia (MKM)
6. Department of Fisheries
7. Department of Irrigation And Drainage (DID)
8. Department of Veterinary Services
9. Environmental Institute of Malaysia (EiMAS),Department of Environment
10. Fire And Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA)
11. IKRAM Training and Infrastructure Development Institute (iTiDi)
12. Institute For Rural Advancement (INFRA)
13. Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR)
14. Institute of Medical Research Malaysia (IMR)
15. International Institute of Public Policy And Management (INPUMA), University of Malaya
16. International Languages Teacher Training Institute (IPBA)
17. Judicial and Legal Training Institute (ILKAP)
18. Malaysia Tax Academy (APM)
19. Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)
20. Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM)
21. Malaysian National Printers Limited (PNMB)
22. Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
23. Multimedia College (MMC)
24. National Archives of Malaysia
25. National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN)
26. National Institute of Valuation (INSPEN)
27. National Library of Malaysia
28. National Productivity Corporation (NPC)
29. PETRONAS Management Training Sdn. Bhd. (PERMATA)
30. Professional Services Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (PSDC)
31. Royal Customs Academy Malaysia (AKMAL)
32. Securities Industry Development Centre (SIDC)
33. SIRIM Berhad
34. The Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST)
35. Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting Institute (IPTAR)

Initially, the MTCP’s technical cooperation was offered only to ASEAN member countries. The MTCP has since expanded to include 135 member countries in all the regions of the world.

Title of the training