UMPSA and Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences strengthen ties to boost Technical Education and WBL Initiatives

ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY, 22 May 2024 - The Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) Advanced TVET delegation, accompanied by the Ministry of Higher Education, continued their first-day work visit to Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences (UAS). 

The delegation was warmly received by Mayor of Aschaffenburg, Jürgen Herzing, alongside President of UAS, Professor Dr. Eva-Maria Beck-Meuth, Vice-President for Academic and International Affairs, Professor Dr. Ivo Schäfer, and Chancellor of UAS, Dr. Heide Klug.

The visit was also attended by President of the Aschaffenburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Heike Wenzel and Chief Executive Officer of the Aschaffenburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Andreas Freundt. 

In addition to bilateral discussions and Work-Based Learning (WBL) benchmarking, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and UAS formally collaborated by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The MoU was signed by Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and Professor Dr. Eva-Maria Beck-Meuth. 

The primary objective of this new alliance is to strengthen, promote, and develop research, technical cooperation, and education between UMPSA and UAS. 

The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and Jürgen Herzing.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie commented on the occasion, stating, this MoU represents a significant milestone in our endeavor to elevate the quality of education and research at UMPSA. 

“By collaborating with UAS, we aim to leverage our collective strengths and expertise to foster innovation and excellence in our academic and technical programs. 

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with the best opportunities for success.

“A key focus of this visit is to enhance Work-Based Learning (WBL) initiatives, a crucial component in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience,” he said. 

The bilateral discussions and benchmarks during this visit aim to further integrate WBL into the curriculum, providing students with hands-on training and real-world skills.

The first day's work visit concluded with an industry visit to Linde Material Handling, a global leader in forklift trucks and material handling equipment. 

The delegation was greeted by Senior Vice-President of Special Solutions, Stefan Prokosch who provided a comprehensive briefing on the extensive research collaboration between UAS and Linde Material Handling. 

This visit highlighted the commitment of the Ministry of Higher Education and MTUN to enhancing international cooperation and advancing education, particularly in the field of advanced TVET.

The visit to UAS and the subsequent industry engagement with Linde Material Handling mark a notable achievement in fostering international partnerships and promoting technical and vocational education. 

UMPSA and UAS are poised to achieve significant advancements in educational quality and research innovation through these strategic collaborations.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre For International Relations