Global bridges of the HSZG to Malaysia
Over a decade of cooperation: HSZG deepens and expands partnerships.
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Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has further expanded its international relations through a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “The visit at the end of January underscores the importance of the long-term partnership between the university and educational institutions in Malaysia, particularly with the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI),” said HSZG Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch. He led the HSZG delegation, which, in addition to himself, consisted of the following members: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Lucie Koutková, Head of the division of Student Services & International Affairs; Susanne Fentzel, M.A., from the Office of University development and communication; and Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Jun Ting Loh, a GMI graduate who is currently a doctoral candidate and research associate in the Department of High-Voltage Engineering at HSZG. “She represents the successful academic connection between the institutions, ” the rector explained.
A decade of cooperation: The German-Malaysian Institute
The German-Malaysian Institute, which specializes in technical and engineering programs, serves as an important bridge between the Malaysian and German educational landscapes. The delegation was welcomed by Ahmad Solihin bin Mohamed Yusoff, CEO of the GMI, and Salwani Abu Bakar, Head of the Department of Foundation, Pre-University & General Studies. A tour of the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Information Technology, and Electrical Engineering sparked enthusiasm among the German guests and provided insight into the GMI’s good infrastructure.
The institute primarily offers the British A-Level program, which paves the way for Malaysian students to enter the German higher education system—since the British A-Level is equivalent to the German Abitur. More than 20 graduates will arrive in Zittau as early as April to improve their German language skills to the C1 level—a prerequisite for studying in Germany. Starting in October, these students will begin their studies in the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Prof. Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, presented the GMI management with a tour of his faculty’s excellent facilities, which await the future students, and also introduced the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering on its behalf.
A key part of the visit was Rector Kratzsch’s presentation on the HSZG. He provided an overview of the HSZG’s versatility and particularly highlighted the benefits of the KIA program (sandwich-style degree course), which enables international students to finance their studies in Germany on their own and helps attract skilled workers to regional companies.
This partnership not only strengthens our academic ties, but also promotes international mobility and cultural exchange by laying the foundations for future joint projects and initiatives.
”Economic prospects: In conversation with Germany Trade & Invest
The following day, the delegation visited Germany Trade & Invest, the central point of contact for German companies engaged in export business. Mr. Kemper, Director for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei at Germany Trade & Invest, provided information on German-Malaysian economic relations. More than 700 German companies are based in Malaysia, Germany’s most important trading partner in the ASEAN region. Economic growth stood at 3.8 percent in 2023, with an expected increase for 2024. “These insights led to stimulating discussions and opened up new perspectives in the field of education, particularly regarding the expansion of academic and career opportunities for students and graduates, ” explained the president.
International students not only enrich our academic community through their diversity, but also play a central role in strengthening the regional skilled labor market. In particular, the opportunity to enroll in a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course—a degree program with integrated training—allows them to contribute global perspectives and intercultural skills. These are essential for increasing the competitiveness of the local economy. The education they receive here equips them to become future-ready, globally minded professionals who are successful at both the international and regional levels.
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Building Bridges in Education: German Educare and Methodist College
The trip concluded with a meeting with the German Educare agency, which prepares Malaysian students to study in Germany. The agency aims to facilitate a seamless transition into the German education system and places great importance on ensuring that graduates feel at home in Germany and stay there long-term. The discussions were constructive, and both sides look forward to future collaboration. A subsequent joint visit to Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) underscored the interest in further educational partnerships. The focus of the visit was on a tour of the campus and discussions about potential joint projects and exchange programs.
The trip to Malaysia not only strengthened our existing partnerships but also paved the way for new opportunities for cooperation. We are convinced that, through continued collaboration with our international partners and by educating international students, the HSZG makes a significant contribution to attracting skilled workers to the Upper Lusatia region.
”From Malaysia to Zittau: A former student reports on her experiences at the HSZG
Jun Ting Loh, currently a doctoral candidate and staff member at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, guided her German colleagues through Kuala Lumpur with her extensive knowledge of the area. She herself decided several years ago to begin her studies in Germany. At the end of the trip, Dr. Lucie Koutková, the Director of Academic Affairs and International Relations, interviewed Ms. Loh. In this conversation, she shared her experiences at the university and in Germany. Loh spoke about her academic and professional path, her goals in Germany, and mentioned the unique aspects of German cuisine that she particularly appreciates.
The HSZG promotes international experiences for students and staff through a variety of exchange programs. The International Office offers comprehensive information and support for the planning and implementation of such exchanges.
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has further expanded its international relations with a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "The visit at the end of January underscores the significance of the long-term partnership between the university and educational institutions in Malaysia, especially with the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI)," says HSZG Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. He led the HSZG delegation, which included Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Lucie Koutková, Head of the Department of Academic and International Affairs, Susanne Fentzel, M.A., from the University Development and Communication Office, and Dipl-Ing. (FH) Jun Ting Loh, a GMI graduate and current PhD candidate in the field of High Voltage Engineering at HSZG. "She represents the successful academic connection between the institutions," the rector elaborates.
A Decade of Collaboration: The German-Malaysian Institute
Specializing in technical and engineering programs, the German-Malaysian Institute forms an essential bridge between the Malaysian and German educational landscapes. The delegation was received by Ahmad Solihin bin Mohamed Yusoff, CEO of GMI, and Salwani Abu Bakar, Head of Department Foundation, Pre-University & General Studies. A tour of the Mechanical Engineering, Computer & Informatics, and Electrical Engineering departments impressed the German visitors and provided insight into GMI's excellent infrastructure.
The institute offers the British A-Level course, enabling Malaysian students to access the German higher education system - as the British A-Level is equivalent to the German Abitur. Over 20 A-Level graduates will arrive in Zittau in April to improve their German language skills to C1 level - a prerequisite for studying in Germany. Starting in October, these students will enroll in the Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science faculties. Prof. Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, showcased his faculty's excellent facilities to the GMI management, which awaits the future students, and also represented the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
A focal point of the visit was the presentation of HSZG by Rector Kratzsch. He provided an overview of HSZG's versatility and highlighted the benefits of the KIA program (study with integrated training), which enables international students to finance their own studies in Germany and supports the recruitment of skilled workers for regional companies.
"This partnership not only strengthens our academic relations but also promotes international mobility and cultural exchange, laying the foundation for future joint projects and initiatives," states Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
Economic Perspectives: In Discussion with Germany Trade & Invest
The following day, the delegation visited Germany Trade & Invest, the central contact point for German companies in the export business. Mr. Kemper, Director Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei for Germany, informed about the German-Malaysian economic relations. More than 700 German companies are based in Malaysia, Germany's most important trading partner in the ASEAN region. The economic growth was 3.8 percent in 2023, with an expected increase for 2024. "These insights led to stimulating discussions and opened new perspectives in the education sector, especially in expanding academic and professional opportunities for students and graduates," explains the rector.
"International students not only enrich our academic community through their diversity but also play a crucial role in strengthening the regional labor market. Particularly through the opportunity to enter a KIA program, a study program with integrated training, they bring global perspectives and intercultural competencies. These are essential for enhancing the competitiveness of the local economy. The education they receive from us qualifies them as future-ready, globally minded professionals who are successful at both international and regional levels." Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science'
Building Bridges in Education: German Educare and Methodist College
The trip concluded with a meeting with the agency German Educare, which prepares Malaysian students for study in Germany. The agency aims for a seamless transition into the German education system and places great importance on ensuring that graduates feel comfortable in Germany and stay for the long term. The discussions were constructive, and both sides look forward to future cooperation. A subsequent joint visit to Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) highlighted interest in further educational cooperations, focusing on a campus tour and discussions about potential joint projects and exchange programs.
"This trip not only strengthened our existing partnerships but also paved the way for new cooperation opportunities. We are convinced that continued collaboration with our partners in Malaysia will further enrich the international educational landscape," says Dr. Lucie Koutková, Head of Academic and International Affairs.
From Malaysia to Zittau: A Former Student Shares Her Experience at HSZG
Jun Ting Loh, currently a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, guided her German colleagues with extensive local knowledge through Kuala Lumpur. She decided a few years ago to start studying in Germany. At the end of the trip, Dr. Lucie Koutková, the Head of Academic and International Affairs, interviewed Ms. Loh. In this conversation, she shared her experiences at the university and in Germany. Loh talks about her academic and professional path, her goals in Germany, and mentioned the specialties of German cuisine that she particularly appreciates.
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