UniKL-Deltares to introduce global internship programme

Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Deltares, a renowned Dutch knowledge institute specialising in water and subsurface research, have formally committed to launching an international internship programme.

In addition to the programme, this collaboration also sets the stage for a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership focused on capacity building, joint research endeavours, and technology transfer.

The partnership was solidified through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) on October 31st, presided over by UniKL’s Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin, and Deltares’ Asian Regional Manager, Mr. Tjitte A. Nauta.

The signing ceremony achieved extraordinary significance due to its alignment with the official visit of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to Malaysia.

His Excellency had the privilege of witnessing the signing, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, YB Mr. Liew Chin Tong, and Perak Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad.

In his address, Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasised the shared values and mutual interests that underpin the robust and enduring relationship between the Netherlands and Malaysia.

In a significant and formal collaboration, the event also included an exchange ceremony for a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UniKL and the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (IHE Delft).

For the record, IHE Delft is the world’s largest international graduate water education institution, headquartered in Delft, Netherlands.

UniKL and IHE Delft are uniting their efforts to prepare students for international careers and the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape by establishing the Master of Science Double-Degree Program in Water Engineering.

The collaborative initiatives will be led by UniKL’s dedicated institution for water technology, the Centre for Water Engineering Technology (CWET), under both partnerships.

Held at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel, it attracted prominent figures from diverse sectors, including business, finance, technology, and academia.

The event, hosted by the Malaysian Dutch Business Council and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kuala Lumpur, served as a platform for fostering diplomatic relations and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations.

Also present were, the Group Chief Executive Officer of MARA Corporation Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Julainie Mohd Salleh; Dean of UniKL Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Mohd Azahar Tuan Dir; and Head of Section of CWET, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Azrulhisham Engku Mohamed.