PENANG, 23 August 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has strengthened its ties with Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn. Bhd., a leading service provider in the electronic interconnect industry, by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on July 23, 2024.

This MoA marks the launch of a collaborative university-industry cooperative (co-op) education programme, aimed at integrating academic learning with practical industry experience.

The MoA was signed by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, representing the Vice-Chancellor, and witnessed by the Director of USM Industry Network, Division of Industry and Community Network, Assoc. Professor Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin, while Samtec was represented by its Human Resource Manager, Ms. Ang Poh Ling and witnessed by Learning and Development Manager, Mr. Mohd Aminuddin Bin Mohd Razale.

This MoA is aimed at highlighting the strategic partnership between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn. Bhd as USM promised to deliver high talented skilled graduates.

Mr. Jorge Chaves, Samtec Penang Plant Manager, stated that, “This collaboration is inked to provide the undergraduates with practical training and education in cutting-edge technology in the field of electronic and mechanical engineering, to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to embark their journey on the industry and to gain better understanding between both parties in the particular field.”

Azlan then added, ”In the co-op programme between Samtec and USM, we believe education plus experience is the stepping stone towards doing valuable work that supports an individual’s interests and career goals.”

He further explained, “Co-ops in the engineering track are provided with different opportunities broken down into areas in process, maintenance, manufacturing, and control engineering.”

Following the signing, both parties engaged in productive discussions, exploring potential future collaborations and strategies to strengthen their partnership.

Also present were the Heads of Departments, Deans, fellow lecturers from USM and delegates from Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Text: Adlin Aina Jamaludin (MPRC intern)/Edited: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa