Quest International University (QIU) and the Republic of Seychelles have embarked on a transformative collaboration that brings together education, research, and sustainable agriculture. Through a newly formalised partnership with Seychelles’ Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, QIU will support the island nation’s efforts to strengthen food security, adapt to climate challenges, and develop future-ready agricultural practices.
As a key pillar of the QI Group’s education initiative, QIU exemplifies the Group’s commitment to building meaningful, cross-border collaborations that translate academic insight into real-world impact.
Addressing Real-World Challenges
The partnership is designed to help Seychelles tackle urgent national issues, such as limited arable land, food import dependency, and climate-related risks to agriculture. QIU will deliver targeted academic programmes, professional training, and applied research in biotechnology, agricultural technology, environmental science, and plant tissue culture.
These initiatives aim to equip Seychellois professionals, students, and policymakers with the technical expertise to build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system. The collaboration will also encourage the development of high-value agri-industries like floriculture and aquaculture.
Signing and Witnesses
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed at QI Tower by His Excellency Mr Flavien Joubert, Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, and Mr Nicholas Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Global Integrated Training Associates (GITA), representing QIU.
The signing was jointly witnessed by Mr Keven Nancy, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment; Prof. Dr Vilasini Pillai, Dean of QIU’s Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences; Prof. Zita Mohd Fahmi, Vice-Chancellor of QIU; Mr Kuna Senathirajah, Group Managing Director of QI Group; Mr JR Mayer, Director of International Operations at QI Group; Ms Ngek Boey Kho, Director of Human Resources and Administration at QI Group; and Mr Kabilan Muniandy, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Malaysia, along with other senior representatives from both institutions.
Knowledge Exchange and Site Visits
The partnership was further strengthened through a high-level visit by the Seychellois delegation to QIU’s advanced labs and agricultural facilities. They also visited field sites in Cameron Highlands and Penang, where they observed hydroponic and fertigation systems and aquaculture projects involving sea grape and crab cultivation.
These site visits provided insight into scalable, cost-effective farming technologies that could be adapted to suit the local conditions of Seychelles, bridging scientific knowledge with practical implementation.
Strategic Collaboration with MARDI
The delegation’s visit to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) unlocked additional innovation and knowledge transfer opportunities. They explored improved packaging methods for local producers and received new vegetable seed varieties, including tomatoes and chillies, for field testing.
A follow-up agreement is being finalised to support the transfer of more than 50 tropical fruit varieties, capacity-building programmes, and ongoing scientific collaboration, helping Seychelles diversify its agricultural base and improve product quality for local consumption and export.
Looking Ahead
Over the next three years, a joint coordination committee will guide the implementation of the partnership. Key focus areas will include academic exchange, research collaboration, and the rollout of technology-based agricultural solutions.
This partnership reinforces QIU’s growing role as a hub for applied learning and innovation, delivering measurable, long-term value across borders.
