UMPSA forms strategic collaboration with 12 industries involving Work-Based Learning (WBL)

PUTRAJAYA, August 25, 2023 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has established a strategic partnership with 12 industrial organizations to strengthen ties between academia and various fields, including staff engagement, research, and development, benefiting both parties.

This collaboration was formalized through memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with 12 industries involving Idea PLT, Miwa Industries Sdn. Bhd., Multi-Code Electronics Industries (M) Berhad, RSI Automation Sdn. Bhd., Visinergy Sdn. Bhd., and Trisystems Engineering Sdn. Bhd.

Other collaborators include Gagasan Sentral Sdn. Bhd., Klug Energy Sdn. Bhd., Sunsource Energy Sdn. Bhd., VTAG Electrical Engineering Sdn. Bhd., Hasilwan (M) Sdn. Bhd., and Pathgreen Energy Sdn. Bhd.

This collaboration focuses on Work-Based Learning (WBL), an approach that integrates university learning with industry experience to create a comprehensive year-long learning experience encompassing theory and practical application, especially for the Bachelor of Technology programme in the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (FTKEE).

Present at the event were UMPSA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (FTKEE) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamdan Daniyal, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof. Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim.

According to Prof. Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie, this collaboration explores opportunities for industrial training placements, short courses, and more.

"UMPSA, as one of the universities in the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), offers Bachelor of Technology (BTEC) programmes designed to provide a pathway to higher education for graduates of TVET institutions such as vocational colleges and skills training institutes.

"An essential element of teaching and learning is hands-on, problem-oriented project-based learning (POPBL) and work-based learning (WBL), which will provide students with industrial exposure throughout their studies.

"This initiative aligns with the UMP Strategic Plan 2021-2025, which emphasizes innovation through industry collaboration, enabling graduates to apply the theories learned at the university to real practical industry problem-solving," he said.

He believes that through this collaboration, both staff and students will be exposed to the latest technology, knowledge, and valuable skills from the industry while enhancing their learning experiences through academic innovation and research.

Furthermore, the focus is placed on allowing students to interact and work with industry peers on assignments and projects, as well as providing access to state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops to develop their skills.

"In addition, WBL undoubtedly provides a platform for students to translate their academic learning into practical work, with the hope of enhancing their employability.

"Moreover, the implementation of WBL also provides universities with the opportunity to engage with real industry problems, benefiting both parties," he added.

A student research project exhibition in collaboration with the industry was also held during the programme.

Also present were Idea PLT Chief Executive Officer, Ching Chin Yaw; Miwa Industries Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director, Eizzuddin Nawawi; and Multi-Code Electronics Industries (M) Berhad Human Resources Senior Executive, Fatin Safwanah Jamaruddin. 

Together with RSI Automation Sdn. Bhd. Technical Manager, Jason Cheah; Visinergy Sdn. Bhd. Head of Senior Executive, Nurul Izati Mohd Zaki; Trisystems Engineering Sdn. Bhd. Senior Executive, Nur Malinda Abu Hassan; Gagasan Sentral Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director, Datin Haslinda Ab Yusop; Klug Energy Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director,  Ir. Ts. Nor Azman Mohd Ruah; Sunsource Energy Sdn. Bhd. Operational Managing Director, Ahmad Zikril Ab Aziz; VTAG Electrical Engineering Sdn. Bhd. Director, Mr. Sivabalan a/l Munusami; Hasilwan (M) Sdn. Bhd. Senior Engineer, Muhammad Zuhair Zulkefli; and Pathgreen Energy Sdn. Bhd., Lee Sze Hang (Nelson Lee).

By: Mimi Rabita Haji Abdul Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications, Chancellery Department

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMP Career Centre (UMPCC)