UMPSA collaborates with Higher Education Institutions in Heilongjiang province and launches the Kaiwu Workshop

PEKAN, 21 August 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to strengthen its international network by establishing strategic collaborations with several leading higher education institutions (HEIs) in Heilongjiang Province, China.

This initiative is part of UMPSA's efforts to expand its academic network and enhance collaboration in research and technology development.

The ceremony witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UMPSA and various universities in Heilongjiang, including Harbin University of Commerce, Heilongjiang Jiaotong Polytechnic, and Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine.

According to UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, this MoU can foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries, providing opportunities for students and academic staff to participate in exchange programmes, joint research projects, and industrial training opportunities in both Malaysia and China.

This collaboration stems from the official visit of the UMPSA delegation to Heilongjiang Province last April, when the Vice-Chancellor participated in the Malaysia Higher Education Exchange Week.

During the programme, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie shared UMPSA's best practices in dual degree programmes and internationalization efforts.

He further stated that UMPSA has also launched the Kaiwu Workshop, in collaboration with Heilongjiang Jiaotong Polytechnic. 

“This workshop will serve as a platform to introduce the latest technology and innovative applications, particularly in the fields of Engineering and Technology, to UMPSA staff and students in the future.

"This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, but also brings significant benefits to students and researchers in both countries.

"It will also enable UMPSA to continue advancing in Technology and Innovation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of producing globally competitive graduates," he said.

At the same event, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie delivered a keynote speech and launched a symposium titled ‘Strategies in Sustaining Advanced TVET Programmes at UMPSA’.

He highlighted four key points to ensure the sustainability of education, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at universities. 

The first is to ensure that academic programmes are aligned with technological developments that meet industry needs.

"UMPSA will therefore strengthen its strategy to involve academic staff in research development," he said.

"The second point is to ensure the quality of teaching and learning through upskilling and retraining.

"The third is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students," he added.

Lastly, he emphasized the importance of internationalization and maintaining good relationships with foreign strategic partners.

Meanwhile, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), Professor Ts. Dr. Kamal Yusoh, shared best practices for advanced TVET implementation at UMPSA.

Also present were the Director of the External Affairs Secretariat of the Office of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, Xia Qingchao, and the Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) of Heilongjiang Jiaotong Polytechnic, Professor Zhou Hongjiang.

Other attendees included Zhou Bin, President of Qinhuangdao Campus, Northeast Petroleum University; Sun Yaoyao, representing Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; and Shao Wei, representing Harbin Institute of Technology.

Additionally, the event was attended by the President of the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association, Natalie Chan Shei Tyng, along with UMPSA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed; as well as deans and department heads of UMPSA.

By: Siti Nur Azwin Zulkapri, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)