The partnership will focus on transformative areas, including Advanced Artificial Intelligence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the implementation of Dual TVET models, Master’s and PhD programmes, and specialised skills development for individuals with special needs. This aligns directly with UTS’s mission to provide inclusive and equitable education for all.
The signing ceremony in Bremen was attended by Dr Mandy Boehnke, Vice President for International Affairs, Academic Qualification, and Diversity of the University of Bremen, and Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, Vice Chancellor of UTS.
In her address, Dr Boehnke expressed great enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This meaningful partnership between University of Bremen and UTS is an important step forward in advancing academic cooperation and Dual TVET practices, especially in Sarawak,” she said. “My past work in Singapore and my visits to Kuching have shown me the vast potential of this region – and I look forward to what we can achieve together.”
Dr Khairuddin echoed this sentiment, expressing strong admiration for Germany’s renowned dual TVET model, which seamlessly integrates academia, vocational institutions, and industry. “Germany is known for its dual vocational education and training system. The extended approach – dual studies and apprenticeship degrees – has consistently produced highly skilled and competent engineers since as early as 1972,” he said. “We are inspired by this model and are working towards introducing dual qualifications for Higher TVET in PhD research at UTS.”
During the event, Prof Dr Dr h.c. Michael Gessler of ITB presented impactful research projects that exemplify forward-looking approaches to workforce and education innovation. These included TVET Sustainability in Logistics; Cognitive Assisted Agile Manufacturing supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI); New Occupational Profiles and Career Pathways in the Steel Industry; and Global Skills Partnerships for emerging industries like hydrogen energy in Namibia. Prof Gessler pledged full cooperation in establishing a similar dual-system research and skills development programme at UTS, aimed at cultivating a new generation of globally competitive talent in Sarawak.
This commitment was reinforced by Associate Professor Dr Ramli Rashidi, an ITB alumnus and the first Sarawakian to earn a Dual TVET PhD, who highlighted the transformative potential of such programmes for the region’s future.
This MoU represents more than a partnership; it is a shared commitment to reshaping the future of TVET, research, and inclusive global talent development.
Present were Centre for International Relations (CIR) director at UTS, Dr Gary Low Chee Wyai; and Head of Programme for Bachelor of Technology Management at UTS, Suman Tiwari.
(Source: Borneo Post online, 10.10.2025)