Scottish Knowledge signing deal

Scottish Knowledge, which exports Scotland's expertise in education and training, is signing a deal with two Malaysian institutions which, it believes, could be worth Pounds 20 million over the next five years, writes Olga Wojtas.

Scottish Knowledge will now supply distance-learning material from Scottish universities and colleges to Malaysia's largest academic institution, Institut Technologi Mara, and the national oil and gas company Petronas.

ITM plans to increase its total student intake by about 40,000. Petronas has begun building a Pounds 50 million university campus capable of taking 10,000 students.

"It is crucial to our credibility and success that I bring with me the full portfolio and backing of all Scotland's 13 universities," said Steve Beere, Scottish Knowledge chief executive.