Visit by Head of German University of Applied Sciences for collaboration with Malaysian Universities

UTAR hosted the DAAD Information visit for Heads of the German University of Applied Sciences to Malaysia at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 27 February 2024. The prestigious event united leaders from 20 esteemed German universities of Applied Sciences and 10 Malaysian private universities. The visit offered direct insight into opportunities for academic collaboration and exchanges between German and Malaysian universities.

Present at the networking event were DAAD Deputy Secretary General Dr Michael Harms, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Education Malaysia Global Services Chairman Dr Abdul Razak Ahmad, Tan Sri Rainer Althoff, Presidents, Rectors, Vice-Presidents, Vice-Rectors and Representatives from Germany University of Applied Sciences, and Malaysia Universities, DAAD representatives, esteemed guests, and staff.

The 10 participating Malaysian private universities were UTAR, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Taylor's University, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Multimedia University (MMU), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), UCSI University and Sunway University.

The 20 German universities were OTH - Technical University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Merz Akademie, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, IB University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Studies Berlin, University of Applied Sciences Hannover, Kiel University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Muenchen, University of Applied Sciences Harz, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Merseburg University of Applied Sciences, Technical University of Applied Sciences Ostwestfalen-Lippe, Technical Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences, HMKW University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication and Management Berlin, University of Applied Sciences Stralsund, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, University of Applied Sciences Ernst-Abbe Jena, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and Mainz University of Applied Sciences.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) Dr Michael Harms (right) delivering their speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Today, we embark on a journey towards fostering academic synergy, breaking down barriers, and forging bonds that will transcend borders. Hence, my heartfelt gratitude to DAAD Germany for organising this event. The significance of this occasion lies in the collective potential of our institutions to drive innovation, advance knowledge, and contribute to the global academic landscape. Together, I hope German and Malaysian universities can pave the way for enhanced academic cooperation in teaching and research. May this event be a catalyst for transformative collaborations, innovative breakthroughs, and a shared commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of our societies.”

At the visit, Dr Michael Harms shared an introduction to DAAD. He said, “I’m very happy to be here for today’s visit. We are a German organisation and we have been in existence for 99 years, so there’s a big anniversary coming up next year. We were founded as a student initiative right from the grassroots movement.  Our mission is to facilitate the internationalisation of German universities and give them the means and the potential to partner with institutions from abroad. We have international offices almost around the world and the Jakarta office caters for Malaysia and neighbouring countries, so we are very proud that we actually can be active in the region too.”

The opening ceremony was followed by an engaging campus tour, allowing our distinguished guests to explore UTAR's facilities and academic environment. Following the tour, participants gathered for a productive networking session, where representatives from both Malaysian and German universities engaged in insightful discussions. Topics covered included potential opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, fostering academic and research collaborations, and exploring avenues for mutual growth and development. This interactive session provided a valuable platform for forging meaningful connections and laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives between our institutions.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a non-profit government-funded organisation founded in 1925 with the task of supporting the international exchange of students and scholars and fostering cooperation between German and international universities. They are the largest funding institution for academic exchange worldwide.

Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Michael Harm exchanging souvenirs

Delegates during the campus tour

Representatives from Malaysian and German universities exchanging ideas and insights