MTUN Advanced TVET and Ministry of Higher Education delegation strengthen ties and explore WBL with HSKL

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY, 22 May 2024 - The Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) Advanced TVET delegation, together with the Ministry of Higher Education, led by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, undertook a strategic visit to the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern (HSKL), Germany. 

The delegation featured distinguished members, including Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, Datin Paduka Dr. Adina Kamarudin, Director General of Higher Education, Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Professor Datuk Ts. Dr. Massila Kamalrudin,

A key highlight of the visit was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMPSA and HSKL, formalising a commitment to international collaborative projects and initiatives. 

This agreement was executed by Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Magin, in the presence of Minister, Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and President of HSKL, Professor Dr.-Ing. Hans-Joachim Schmidt,

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie expounded on UMPSA's strategic initiatives and highlighted the successful outcomes of dual degree collaboration with a German institution, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. 

"This collaboration enhances our curriculum and integrates real-world applications that significantly benefit our students. 

"We are dedicated to expanding our educational horizons and ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for global challenges.  

“The collaboration will focus on advancing educational standards in Engineering, Electronic Technology, and Computer Technology through innovative and industry-relevant programmes,” he said. 

He also added that by aligning our academic pursuits with industry requirements, we are setting a benchmark for excellence in technical higher education that benefits both our countries.

Reflecting on the potential impact of the collaboration, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie remarked, this partnership highlights our commitment to providing our students with the best possible education. 

“It is not just about academic excellence, but also about preparing our students for real-world challenges and ensuring they are equipped with the skills that industries demand,” he said. 

The signing of the MoU marks a proactive approach to education, where both institutions will engage in joint projects, exchange programmes, and research initiatives. 

This partnership aims to enhance the employability of graduates by integrating industry needs with academic programmes, ensuring that students gain valuable practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

The visit also facilitated discussions on best practices and innovative strategies in technical and vocational education. 

By leveraging the strengths of both UMPSA and HSKL, the collaboration aims to create a model for international partnerships in higher education, fostering a global perspective among students and faculty.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for International Relations