UMP and Vacuumschmelze (VAC) signed MoU on sharing of technology and talent development

PEKAN, 8 November 2021 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Vacuumschmelze (VAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that combined innovative strengths and capabilities of a well-established university with a German-based advanced magnetic solutions company in Malaysia.

This latest university-industry collaboration would strengthen public trust towards UMP and its quality as a higher education institution.

The MoU would pave the way for more collaborations on sharing knowledge in engineering and technology and scientific expertise and enhance the marketability and competency of graduates from the university.

It aligns with the university’s aspiration under its industrial linkage, academic collaboration, and internationalization, as stated in the UMP Strategic Plan 2021-2025.

The objectives outlined in the strategic plan would be fulfilled through high-impact and sustainable programmes involving the university-industry integration throughout the MoU timeframe.

Among the areas agreed in the MoU are talent sourcing for VAC Malaysia and VAC Germany as well as other employments, academic development programme, industry excellence award sponsorship programme, internship placement for students, industrial attachment for staff and students, leadership and professional development programme, sharing of expertise in research and facilities, and sustainability-related initiatives.

During the MoU Virtual Signing Ceremony today, UMP was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie bin Zainuddin, who acts as the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli bin Hainin, while VAC was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. Erik Eschen and General Manager for VAC Pekan Plant, Mohd Arif Zakaria.

Also present were the UMP faculty management, VAC Germany, and VAC Malaysia management teams joined through the online platform.

The ceremony was also witnessed by the representatives from UMP partner university in Germany, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA).

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie said that the university would play a bigger role in matters involving the exchange of experts, research development, training, and industrial relations with its scientific and technical expertise.

“The opportunity derived from this collaboration with Vacuumscmelze will enable the university to benefit from the expertise available in the aspects of technology and engineering, mechatronics, electronics, and manufacturing.

It will also involve other aspects such as working together in research development and sharing of facilities, data, knowledge, and skill as well as areas that will provide mutual benefits,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Erik Eschen said that the signing with UMP was timely and would strengthen the readily concrete relationship.

“This mutually beneficial partnership will catalyse more active, win-win collaborations between VAC and UMP,” he said.

Dr. Erik Eschen also announced the VAC Scholarship Award for Dual-Degree UMP German Engineering programmes. The three students selected for the industrial attachment programme in VAC Hanau, Germany, will later be appointed VAC Engineer in the Pekan plant.

By: Mohd. Rafiee Kamarudin, German Academic Collaboration Centre (GACC)