UniKL-Polytechnics Mauritius Foster Partnership

Univerisiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology (UniKL MITEC) sealed its first offshore partnership with Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd (PML) following the registration of 42 students for the Diploma in Industrial Logistics (DIL) programme.

The first batch of 42 students commenced classes on 5 September 2020.

Discussions on other engineering related programmes with Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd such as light rail, avionics and helicopter maintenance technology are forthcoming.

Logistics management is one of the essentials of any successful business. Typical problems in this area include supply chain design (materials handling, facility location, plant layout, integrated production systems, warehousing, pricing, service support), supply chain operations (inventory control, third-part logistics, transportation and freight operations, air cargo systems, routing, network optimisation, distribution channels) and tactical issues (item tracking).

UniKL MITEC offers programmes that prepare graduates with knowledge of the strategic and economic principles of the efficient flow of materials, information, capital and products through the whole distribution network.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place at Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd Montagne Blanche Campus in the presence of Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and PML Chief Executive Officer Mr Yamal Matabudul.

Prof. Dr Shahrulniza Musa, Deputy President for Academic and Technology (now Acting President and Chief Executive Officer) represented UniKL at the signing ceremony.

The agreement signifies a strong establishment between the two institutions with UniKL offering Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) accredited DIL programme modules and to train and advise PML teaching staff on the process of monitoring and developing teaching and learning materials.

Lecturers from UniKL MITEC located in Bandar Seri Alam, Johor, will coordinate with PML on the three-year DIL programme.

For UniKL, this collaboration marks a significant chapter since its establishment as a Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training (HTVET) institution 18 years ago.

“As to my understanding, this is the first time UniKL has engaged with an institution in Mauritius on academic and research partnership. The importance of international collaboration in higher education, I strongly believe, should always be made explicit,” said Prof Dr Shahrulniza at a press conference.

“This partnership augurs well in our long-lasting friendship, akin to one small step for students and one giant leap for Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd,” added Prof Dr Shahrulniza. “Being a leading HTVET in Malaysia, UniKL has more to offer to PML.”

UniKL has 12 campuses and 13 institutions that offer more than 130 programmes in engineering, chemical, train system, aviation technology, marine and non-engineering programmes such as medicine, health sciences and pharmacy that are close to the needs of the industry in all sectors.

PML Chief Executive Officer Mr Matabudul envisioned the collaboration with UniKL as the start of a joint commitment towards the exchange of knowledge and expertise with specific reference to engineering technology in transportation and related aspects for higher technical training, providing internship and placement opportunities for PML students to increase their work readiness.

The Polytechnics approach to education and training, he said, is distinctive – high knowledge content that is yet applied and practical. Very few education systems, let alone, universities practice this specific slant to education and training.

“In UniKL, we found the ideal partner who understands the vision of the Government in launching Polytechnics in Mauritius. UniKL’s focus on upper TVET provides ready entry and exit pathways to applied Bachelor programmes and higher tertiary qualifications that allow PML to launch programmes in Mauritius in areas that can make full use of high quality, superior technicians and technologists instead of duplicating the same panoply of programmes as other universities,” observed Mr Matabudul.

On transportation, he added that it is a very ambitious programme that is going to revolutionise the transport system in Mauritius. Looking at the ever-changing transport technology, it only reflects on what Polytechnics in Mauritius should do in terms of training students.

“This is the reason why Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd is collaborating with UniKL that has the academic expertise in rail, aviation and marine engineering with short and long courses programmes across the country,” he stressed.

“In this strategic partnership, we see an unprecedented opportunity to develop upper TVET programmes in Mauritius. This is a new orientation for technical education,” said Mr Matabudul. “Mauritius, in its path of economic orientation towards a high-income country, requires more highly qualified and skilled senior technicians and technologists for the country. UniKL will make a significant contribution in this area.”

Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd is a privately endowed institution established in 2016, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mauritius. It has 2,074 students, and 23 programmes. PML also has campuses at Reduit and Pamplemousses