FEGT Dean teaches in Germany

Following the MoU signing ceremony between UTAR and the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg)) from Germany in 2014, both parties have constantly worked together to hold productive collaborations in order to benefit one another.

UTAR and OTH Regensburg have conducted numerous projects together, with one of the recent projects being the Dean of UTAR’s Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Dr Yap Vooi Voon offering block courses at OTH Regensburg. Dr Yap most recently conducted a block course titled “Multi-processor and Multi-core Designs for Reliable Embedded Systems” from 1 to 18 March 2016.

Dr Yap (third from left) with OTH Regensburg students

The block course focused on engineering reliable embedded systems and was delivered to a group of German students who are pursuing their Dual Master’s Degree Programme in Electrical and Microelectronic Systems. Apart from block courses carried out by Dr Yap, a total of three UTAR students are currently doing their Dual Master’s Degree Programme in Electrical and Microsystems Engineering (OTH) / Electronic Systems (UTAR) in OTH Regensburg. These students organised a mini Malaysia Day in conjunction with Dr Yap’s trip to Regensburg. Through the mini Malaysia Day, the three UTAR students assisted in promoting Malaysian culture through presentations and a Malaysian food tasting event. Prof Rupert Schreiner gave an overview of the OTH Regensburg-UTAR Dual Master’s Degree Programme and Dr Yap presented the UTAR corporate video followed by a power-point presentation of UTAR and FEGT.

Prof Rupert Schreiner (left) and Dr Yap delivering their presentations

German students and staff trying out Malaysian food

From left: Dr Yap with Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems) students Woon Xuet Yen, Ng Kah Haur, and Pang Kang Jiunn

The trip also marked another substantial milestone as OTH Regensburg and UTAR’s FEGT successfully secured a second grant titled “Practice Oriented Partnerships” worth RM1.8million from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The grant will support students from the Department of Electronic Engineering at FEGT to complete their final year projects at OTH Regensburg in association with German companies such as Infineon and Osram. The grant will also support staff exchanges between both universities.  

Dr Yap said, “The DAAD grant will provide an opportunity for the students from UTAR to gain unique and valuable experience working in German industries.”