Month: June 2023

P

enang, Malaysia – In a bid to foster collaboration and gain insights into the evolving workforce demands of the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, a delegation from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) recently visited the renowned Bosch Tools and Sanmina plants. Led by Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie bin Zainuddin, the Vice Chancellor of UMP, the delegation comprised esteemed members of the academia and industry experts.

The UMP delegation included Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin, Assistant VC Industry and Community Linkages; Dr. Mohd Shaiful Abdul Karim, Head of Program BEng Electrical & Electronics Engineering; Prof. Dr. Chong Kwok Feng, Senior Director of Research Quality & Center of Excellence; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Izwan Ismail, Director of UMP Career Center; Hj Amran Bin Abdul Hadi, Certified Trainer UMP Bosch Rexroth Academy; and Dr. Chin Sim Yee, Director of Strategic Academic Program.

The primary objective of the visit was to explore potential collaborations between UMP and industry leaders, Bosch Tools and Sanmina, while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s workforce requirements and demands.

Both Bosch Power Tools and Sanmina, provided an overview of their operations, showcased their diverse product range, and shed light on the talent requirements and research and development (R&D) areas relevant to the E&E and manufacturing industry. The engaging presentations unveiled the cutting-edge technologies and innovation pursued by the industry leaders.

UMP and the industries shared insights, exchanged ideas, and explored potential areas of collaboration. This interactive session proved invaluable in identifying common objectives and laying the groundwork for future partnerships between academia and the E&E sector.

During the open discussion session, an important topic that emerged was the implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs available at UMP, which highlighted the significance of WBL in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The UMP delegation shared insights about the university’s comprehensive WBL programs, which provide students with practical hands-on experience and exposure to real-world industry environments. These programs are designed to complement classroom learning and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the E&E sector.

The WBL initiatives serve a platform that recognizes the value of incorporating industry-specific projects, internships, and apprenticeships into the curriculum, as these experiences significantly contribute to the professional growth of students and meet industry demands for skilled talent.

This joint efforts between university and industry could lead to the development of industry-relevant curriculum, mutually beneficial research projects, and tailored training programs that address the specific needs of the E&E sector.

UMP is committed to continuously improve and update the WBL programs, taking into account industry feedback and the evolving demands of the E&E sector. They emphasized the university’s dedication to producing graduates who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they are ready to contribute effectively to the industry from day one.

The industry representatives welcomed this commitment and expressed their willingness to actively participate in the design and implementation of WBL initiatives. They highlighted the importance of fostering strong industry-academia relationships to ensure that WBL programs align with industry standards and expectations.

The UMP delegation left the discussion with a renewed determination to enhance existing WBL programs and explore new avenues for collaboration with industry partners. The collective goal was to create a dynamic and mutually beneficial ecosystem where academia and industry work hand in hand to produce highly skilled professionals who are fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the E&E sector.

Through the exchange of insights and ideas on WBL programs, UMP and industry leaders took another step towards forging strong partnerships that will pave the way for a prosperous and innovative future for the E&E sector in Malaysia.

We believe that collaborative efforts between academia and industry are crucial for the advancement of the E&E sector. By working together, we can address industry challenges, develop innovative solutions, and nurture a skilled workforce that meets the industry’s evolving needs

These visits allow us to gain firsthand knowledge of industry demands, enabling us to align our academic programs, research initiatives, and industry attachments with the needs of the E&E sector. Collaboration is key to ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to excel in their careers.

The event concluded on a promising note, with the UMP delegation expressing their gratitude to Bosch Tools and Sanmina for their warm welcome and hospitality. The visit served as a stepping stone towards future collaborations that will pave the way for impactful research, industry-relevant curricula, and a talent pipeline that meets the demands of the ever-evolving E&E sector.

The UMP delegation returned with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with valuable insights and a shared commitment to fostering strong partnerships between academia and industry for the benefit of Malaysia’s E&E sector.