A significant collaboration protocol aimed at combining academic expertise with the dynamics of the business world has been signed between Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry (KTSO). The protocol was formalized during a ceremony held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 19 June 2026, at the EMU Rector’s Office Building where the agreement was signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and KTSO Executive Board Chair Ali Kamacıoğlu.
Present during the signing session were, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Members Özdinç Akdel, Turan Büyükyılmaz and Anıl İmre, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Private Secretary Director Kazım Hakverdi, Vice President of the KTSO Abdullah Emirzadeoğluları, KTSO General Secretary Erçin Tekakponar and KTSO Executive Board Advisor Belgin Özoğul.
“Academic Knowledge Will Be Transferred to Industry, While Industrial Experience Will Enrich the University”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that the collaboration protocol would establish a strong bridge between the University and the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry (KTSO). He noted that universities are not only institutions that generate academic knowledge but also bear the responsibility of connecting that knowledge with society and the productive sectors of the economy. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the signing of the protocol would make a significant contribution to fostering collaboration between two well-established institutions. Highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership, Prof. Dr. Kılıç explained that academic knowledge would be transferred to industry, while the experience and expertise of the industrial sector would, in turn, enrich the University. He expressed his belief that this exchange would generate meaningful outcomes for the country’s development and progress. Prof. Dr. Kılıç further noted that EMU aims to open its doors to industry by creating opportunities for joint projects, knowledge sharing, and practical applications. Concluding his remarks, he expressed his hope that the collaboration would produce tangible results and thanked everyone who contributed to the realization of the partnership.
“This Partnership Will Further Strengthen the Ties between Industry and Academia”
In his remarks, KTSO Executive Board Chair Ali Kamacıoğlu stated that this collaboration with EMU would further strengthen the relationship between industry and academia. Emphasizing the importance of increasing young people’s engagement with the industrial sector, Kamacıoğlu noted that initiatives of this kind would enhance students’ interest in industry and better prepare them for professional life. Highlighting KTSO’s commitment to cooperation with higher education institutions, Kamacıoğlu expressed his belief that the protocol would contribute both to the development of the country’s industrial sector and to the growth of its young people. He thanked everyone involved in the process and expressed his hope that the partnership would generate strong and productive results in the long term.
Bridging Theory and Practice through University–Industry Collaboration
In the remarks delivered during the ceremony, participants underscored the vital role of university–industry cooperation in developing skilled workforce and promoting sustainable economic growth. The protocol is intended to support the effective integration of academic expertise into production and workforce development processes, with the collaboration being recognized as a strategic initiative that will strengthen the country’s competitive position.
Comprehensive and Exclusive Educational Opportunities for KTSO Members
Under the protocol, a wide range of opportunities will be offered to support access to education. Within this framework, KTSO employees, members, and their spouses and children will be able to benefit from various advantages in associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, as well as programs offered by the EMU Continuing Education Center and the International Summer School. In addition, special incentives will be provided for students who enroll at EMU through the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS), with the acquired benefits remaining valid throughout the students’ normal period of study.
A Strong Bridge for Career Development and Employment
Extending beyond the educational process to include post-graduation opportunities, the protocol aims to make a direct contribution to young people’s career development. Within the scope of the agreement, EMU students will be provided with internship and part-time employment opportunities in the industrial sector during their studies. This initiative will enable students to gain early exposure to the industry and acquire valuable professional experience. Furthermore, granting priority consideration to EMU graduates in employment processes following graduation is expected to be one of the key outcomes of the collaboration.
A Sustainable Vision Built on Mutual Benefit
Within the framework of the collaboration established between the two institutions, the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry will support the University’s promotional activities and student recruitment initiatives. It was noted that this partnership is expected to make significant contributions toward the shared goals of fostering qualified production, strengthening academic structure, and building a sustainable future.