UMPSA celebrates 15 years of collaboration with HKA, strengthening internationalisation

KUANTAN, 7 November 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) celebrated 15 years of successful strategic collaboration with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA), Germany, at the UMPSA Nexus Night 2025, held at The Zenith Hotel, Kuantan.

The event, which was also attended by UMPSA Pro-Chancellor, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Abi Musa Asa’ari Mohamed Nor, Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, as well as industry and academic partners from within and outside the country, witnessed a gathering of alumni, members of the German Board of Studies (GBOS), and representatives of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) in a spirit of goodwill and pride.

UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, in her speech, described the 15-year achievement as a testament to the maturity, trust, and strength of the relationship between the two universities across continents that share common values and aspirations in advancing global-impact education.

“Since the collaboration began in 2010, more than 400 graduates have been produced through the UMPSA–HKA Dual Degree Programme, which combines German engineering precision with the creativity and resilience of Malaysian students.

“These graduates are not only awarded two degrees but also embody two cultures and one spirit of unity that make them a living bridge between Malaysia and Germany.

“Among the high-impact initiatives are the DRAIS-3D Project, which involves students from Germany, Malaysia, and Ethiopia in the development of a 3D-printed racing bicycle,” she said.

“Other contributions include the Muhlbueer Automation Training Kit by Muhlbueer Automation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., which strengthens learning in the field of automation and robotics,” she said.

She further explained the long-term plan to construct a cleanroom facility at the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology, UMPSA, for new exploration in micro-technology.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also expressed her appreciation to the Embassy of Germany in Malaysia, industry partners, GBOS members, and the university leadership for their support and dedication in realising this historic collaboration.

“Fifteen years ago, we began with hope.

“We continued together through challenges with perseverance, and tonight, we celebrate success with pride, which shows the true spirit of collaboration that shapes a legacy.

“UMPSA is committed to continuing to strengthen this partnership by exploring new fields such as digitalisation, sustainable engineering, green technology, and artificial intelligence,” she said.

The ceremony concluded in a cordial atmosphere among the distinguished guests, alumni, and industry partners, who reminisced about past achievements while building renewed confidence for a brighter future in Malaysia–Germany educational relations.

By: Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press