Beautiful friendship: Prof Ewe (right) and Harms exchanging souvenirs.
MALAYSIAN and German universities have the collective potential to drive innovation, advance knowledge and contribute to the global academic landscape, says Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.
Together, these institutions can pave the way for enhanced academic cooperation in teaching and research, he said when hosting 20 heads of German universities of applied sciences at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on Feb 27.
The visit was organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – a non-profit government-funded organisation founded in 1925 with the task of supporting the international exchange of students and scholars, as well as fostering cooperation between German and international universities. It is the largest funding institution for academic exchange worldwide.
“Today, we embark on a journey towards fostering academic synergy, breaking down barriers, and forging bonds that will transcend borders.
“May this event be a catalyst for transformative collaborations, innovative breakthroughs, and a shared commitment for the betterment of our societies,” he said in a press release.
The visit provided insights into opportunities for academic collaborations and exchange programmes between the German institutions and 10 Malaysian universities present.
In his speech, DAAD deputy secretary general Dr Michael Harms said the German organisation, which will mark its centennial anniversary next year, was founded as a student initiative from a grassroots movement.
“Our mission is to facilitate the internationalisation of German universities, and to give them the means and the potential to partner with institutions from abroad.
“We have international offices around the world. Our Jakarta office caters to Malaysia and her neighbouring countries so we are very proud that we can be active in this region too,” he said.
