TRDI

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 6 - Terengganu is emerging as a potential strategic partner for the European Union (EU) in advancing cooperation across key growth sectors, including the green economy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), education and human capital development.

EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr said the EU viewed Terengganu as a state with strong potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in sectors that are increasingly important to both Malaysia and Europe.

He said the visit to Terengganu was part of the EU’s efforts to expand its engagement with Malaysia beyond the federal level, including by building closer ties with state governments.

Earlier, the EU delegation had an audience with the Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, at Istana Syarqiyyah in Chendering.

The delegation later paid a courtesy call on Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and members of the State Executive Council at Wisma Darul Iman, where both sides discussed potential areas of cooperation.

“We are here to strengthen relations between Malaysia and Europe. Apart from working at the federal level, we also want to build closer ties with state governments, as this is also the approach practised in Europe.

“The purpose of this visit is to understand Terengganu’s position, its development direction, and to identify areas that can be further strengthened through cooperation,” he told a press conference after the courtesy call today.

Rafael said the EU saw significant opportunities in Terengganu’s development landscape, especially in critical raw materials, petrochemicals, the green economy and digital transformation.

He said more than 2,000 European companies were currently operating in Malaysia, including several in Terengganu, with many placing emphasis on the development of local talent.

“The EU’s investment philosophy is not merely about bringing in capital or technology.

“Rather, it is about building partnerships that benefit both sides through knowledge transfer, human capital development and integration into the local economy,” he said.

On AI, Rafael said the EU encouraged the responsible use of technology, with people remaining at the centre of its development and application.

He said AI should not be viewed as a tool to replace workers, but as technology that could help people work more efficiently and productively.

“AI should help people work better, while ensuring that personal data protection, individual rights and the development of new skills remain a priority,” he said.

Rafael also identified Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as one of the most suitable platforms to further strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and the EU.

He said the TVET model, which combines industrial training with formal education, could help produce a skilled workforce while creating long-term links between industries and educational institutions.

He added that education ties between Malaysia and the EU continued to grow through various programmes that provide opportunities for students, lecturers and researchers to take part in academic mobility and joint research.

According to him, at least two research projects involving Terengganu-based universities are currently being carried out with European institutions, particularly in the fields of aquaculture and biodiversity.

“We hope this visit will serve as a catalyst for stronger relations between the EU and Terengganu across various strategic sectors for mutual benefit,” he said.