The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gyeongbuk Aviation High School in Yeongju, Republic of Korea. The agreement was signed on 29 July 2026 at MCAST’s Main Campus in Paola, during an official visit to the college by a delegation from Gyeongbuk Aviation High School, led by Principal Mr Kim Ki-hwan. The MoU was signed by Mr Kim Ki-hwan and Mr Stephen Vella, who is the Principal and CEO of MCAST.

The partnership has established a framework for international cooperation across a variety of areas, including the exchange and mobility of students and staff, academic pathways for Gyeongbuk graduates, summer school programs, online training, and joint academic activities such as seminars and training sessions. The agreement over a three-year period forms the basis for a continuous and evolving relationship between the two institutions.

The ceremony marking the signing was attended by Malta’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mr Mark A.J. Spiteri, whose efforts were key to arranging the talks which resulted in the agreement. A talk outlining the scope and potential of the collaboration was given by Ms Maxine Micallef, International Business Development Manager at MG2i, and Ing. Roberto Tiscio, Deputy Director of the MCAST Institute of Engineering and Transport.

In his welcome speech, Mr Vella underlined MCAST’s strong commitment to international collaboration and pointed out that the present MoU marks the first step in what both institutions intend to develop into a long and successful partnership. He also mentioned that he is taking part in ongoing talks with the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) regarding the comparison between the qualifications provided at Gyeongbuk Aviation High School and the Malta Qualifications Framework – a procedure which will aid in determining the most suitable academic progression routes for Korean graduates who wish to continue their studies at MCAST.

The college currently has four Korean students participating in its various programs and aims to increase this number as the partnership moves forward and the progression pathways are established.

The agreement will remain in effect for three years from the date of signing, with the scope of cooperation to be reviewed and updated annually by both parties. MG2i is assisting with the international business development aspect of the partnership.