Over a decade of cooperation: HSZG deepens and expands partnerships.
For the English version, please scroll down.
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 illustrates the importance 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 consisted of the following members in addition to himself: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Worlitz, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Lucie Koutková, Head of the Department of Studies and International Affairs, Susanne Fentzel, M.A. from the Office of University Development and Communication and Dipl-Ing. (FH) Jun Ting Loh, a graduate of the GMI and currently a doctoral student and employee in the Department of High Voltage Engineering at the HSZG. "She represents the successful academic connection between the institutions," explains the Rector.
The German-Malaysian Institute, which specializes in technical and engineering programs, forms an important bridge between the Malaysian and German educational landscape. The delegation was welcomed by Ahmad Solihin bin Mohamed Yusoff, CEO of GMI, and Salwani Abu Bakar, Head of Department Foundation, Pre-University & General Studies. A guided tour through the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Computer & Informatics and Electrical Engineering aroused the enthusiasm of the German guests and gave an insight into the excellent infrastructure of the GMI.
The institute primarily offers the British A-level course, which paves the way for Malaysian students to enter the German higher education system - as the British A-level is equivalent to the German Abitur. More than 20 graduates will come to Zittau in April to improve their German language skills to level C1 - a prerequisite for studying in Germany. From 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 management of GMI with the excellent facilities of his faculty, which await the future students, and also introduced the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering on their behalf.
A central point of the visit was the presentation of the HSZG by Rector Kratzsch. He gave an overview of the versatility of the HSZG and highlighted in particular the advantages of the KIA program (studies with integrated training), which also enables international students to study in Germany on a financially self-supporting basis and promotes the recruitment of skilled workers for regional companies.
The following day, the delegation visited Germany Trade & Invest, the central point of contact for German companies in the export business. Mr. Kemper, Director Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei for Germany, 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 in 2023 was 3.8 percent with an expected increase for 2024. "These insights led to stimulating discussions and opened up new perspectives in the field of education, especially in the expansion of academic and professional opportunities for students and graduates," explains the Rector.
The trip concluded with a meeting with the German Educare agency, which prepares Malaysian students to study in Germany. The agency aims to ensure a seamless transition into the German education system and attaches great importance to ensuring that graduates feel comfortable in Germany and stay for the long term. The discussions were constructive and both sides are looking forward to working together in the future. A subsequent joint visit to Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) underlined the interest in further educational cooperation. The focus was on a tour of the campus and discussions about possible joint projects and exchange programs.
Jun Ting Loh, currently a doctoral student and member of staff at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, accompanied her German colleagues through Kuala Lumpur with extensive local knowledge. She herself decided to start studying in Germany a few years ago. At the end of the trip, Dr. Lucie Koutková, the Director of Studies and International Affairs, 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 special features of German cuisine, which 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.
