Kuching FA officially announced their partnership with South Korean side Suwon FC on Friday to facilitate their development programmes.

Fazruddin Abdul Rahman, vice president of the FAM League side, explained that the partnership will commence next year, providing exposure and opportunities for Kuching players and coaches to train at Suwon, who are currently playing in the K-League second division.

"The main focus, however, will be on development programmes and talent management because South Korea is ahead in those aspects," he said in a press conference before signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Suwon secretary-general Jeon Ohchan in Kuching.

Also present at the signing ceremony were club president Rakawi Ibrahim and Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

"At the same time, we will partner with the Park Ji Sung Football Academy and send young players to the academy to participate in trials and competitions," he added.

"Maybe after undergoing training at the academy, some of the young players will be picked to train with Suwon."

He also said that the agreement will also let Suwon conduct pre-season training in Kuching, and send their players on loan at the club in the future – currently it is not possible because the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) do not allow foreign players in the FAM League.

Kuching, who were promoted from Liga Bolasepak Rakyat last year, reached the promotion play-offs in their first season but were knocked out by eventual promotion winners UKM.