Following a successful collaborative accomplishment since 2011 with Infineon Technologies, a leading semiconductor company providing innovative semiconductor solutions for energy efficiency, mobility and security, UTAR and Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd achieved another milestone by signing a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for Work-Based Learning Education (WBLE) programme on 12 March 2020 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

Signing the MoA were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd President and Managing Director Ng Kok Tiong, while witnessing the signing were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong and Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dato’ Peter Halm.

Also present were Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Directors of Technology Tan Soon Keong, and Teng Kean Kah; Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Principal Engineer Joseph Ke; Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Senior Manager of Technology Christian Kasztelan; Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Human Resource Talent Network Kelly Kok; Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Communications Manager Jacynthi Kirupanithi; Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd Communications Executive Maizatul Isa; UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Ng Choon Aun, FEGT Head of Department of Electronic Engineering Assoc Prof Ir Dr Teh Peh Chiong, FEGT Head of Master of Engineering and Electronic Systems Programme Assoc Prof Dr Humaira Nisar, Deputy Director of Division of Community and International Networking Dr Chen, I-Chi, FEGT academics, UTAR staff and students. 

Emphasising on the importance of technology revolution and the importance of university-industry collaboration, Prof Ewe explained, “With the signing of this MoA on a Work-Based Learning Education programme, UTAR is indeed very pleased to start a series of meaningful projects ranging from collaborative research and sharing of expertise to enrichment and up-skilling activities with Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd. This programme is an educational strategy that provides students with real-life work experiences in a real setting where they can apply academic and technical skills and enhance their employability. The WBLE programme will provide experience-based learning for UTAR students in practical, curriculum-related work assignments structured to meet students’ interests, abilities and aptitudes while sharing their ideas and talents with Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd.” I also believe the WBLE programme will enhance the synergistic partnership which exists between UTAR, Infineon Technologies and the students.”

In response to Prof Ewe’s speech, Ng enthused, “The Work-Based Learning Education programme is characterised by on-the-job learning and training in Infineon Technologies when they take the selected Elective courses in Bachelor of Technology in Electronics Systems as full-time students. The programme will also provide students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to practical issues on the job, enhance the students’ employability profile and provide them with industry working experience. Vice versa, Infineon Technologies will utilise the WBL Programme to meet its staffing needs, form strategic partnership with UTAR in human resource development and expand the partnership into joint research collaborations and projects. Through this MoA, I hope both parties will assist each other in the accomplishment of the programme’s objectives. He also expressed his confidence in collaborating with UTAR due to the university’s vision and track record of producing competent graduates.

The event reached its highlight with the signing of the MoA documents, followed by an exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph. The MoA signing ceremony also marked the launching of Infineon Power Technology Lab at FEGT.

The MoA between UTAR and Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd will see both parties working closely with Infineon Technologies in research collaboration, research training, joint projects, seminars and workshops.

Infineon Technologies is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon Technologies is the key to a better future.