UMPSA deepens ties with Germany through Ambassador, MGCC visit

PEKAN, 5 August 2026 –Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has stepped up its engagement with Germany following a visit by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malaysia, Her Excellency Silke Riecken-Daerr. 

Accompanying Her Excellency were Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Samy Sakka, MGCC Executive Director, Hannes Farlock, and representatives from MGCC. 

The UMPSA delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, comprised key leadership responsible for directing the university's internationalisation strategies, particularly across academic and research domains. 

The visit to UMPSA Pekan follows discussions held during the German Board of Studies meeting in March and signals a continuation of efforts to broaden cooperation in higher education, industry, research and talent development. 

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias said the latest meeting provided an opportunity to move the discussions beyond established academic links and identify areas with stronger industry and research potential.

“We met during the German Board of Studies meeting in March, and this visit allows us to continue that conversation in a more focused way. 

“Germany has been a longstanding and strategic partner to us, with a strong collaboration established over the years, particularly in engineering and technology education. 

“What we aim to do now is to expand on that foundation and translate it into tangible, high-impact initiatives that directly benefit our students, researchers, and industry partners,” she said.

A key pillar of this partnership is UMPSA’s dual-degree programme with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA), Germany, now in its 17th year, which continues to contribute to the development of highly skilled graduates and support national capacity building, particularly in engineering and technology. 

During the meeting, both sides discussed possible cooperation in the automotive and aerospace sectors, as well as in applied research, technology development, talent training and industry engagement.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah noted that the programme remains one of the university’s strongest examples of how international academic collaboration can effectively foster meaningful engagement between the university and industry, ensuring alignment with evolving industry needs.

The partnership has also provided UMPSA students with exposure to diverse academic and professional environments, including opportunities to undertake internships and final year projects that respond directly to industry needs, not only within multinational companies in Malaysia, but also in Germany, while strengthening the technical and intercultural competencies required in an increasingly global workforce.

Attention was also given to three key areas vital to advancing the partnership: external funding, global internships, and stronger career pathways for graduates. 

On funding, UMPSA is seeking broader access to international grants, corporate sponsorships, and alternative funding sources to drive advanced research and innovation. 

In addition, the university aims to expand placement opportunities with multinational companies and overseas organisations, offering students valuable exposure to international industry practices while simultaneously establishing robust avenues that connect graduates directly with global career opportunities. 

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah said such opportunities should ultimately lead to clearer career prospects for graduates.
“Internationalisation should not stop at mobility or academic exposure. 

“We want our students to gain real industry experience and, where possible, have a clearer pathway into multinational companies and global careers,” she said.

The delegation was also briefed on the work of UMPSA’s Centre for Sustainability of Mineral and Resource Recovery Technology (SMRRT), including its research in mineral and resource technology, resource recovery, materials processing and sustainability.

The session highlighted areas where German expertise, technology and industry networks could complement UMPSA’s existing capabilities, particularly in research, technology development and high-skilled talent.

The visit adds another layer to UMPSA’s longstanding engagement with Germany, with the next phase expected to focus less on establishing new links and more on turning existing relationships into concrete opportunities in research, industry exposure and graduate career development.

By: Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi and Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for Academic Collaboration and Mobility