KUALA LUMPUR: As part of an ongoing initiative to nurture local talents in biomedical engineering, Universiti Malaya (UM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Healthineers Malaysia to renew their collaborative educational programme with the faculty of Biomedical Engineering for another three years.
"Biomedical engineers play a significant role in healthcare but are humbly considered as silent frontliners. They are responsible for the selection, use and maintenance of medical equipment and life-support systems in hospitals, a crucial role in the current pandemic.
"This MoU combines the innovative engineering and services of Siemens Healthineers with the research and education expertise of Universiti Malaya's Department of Biomedical Engineering to produce a much-needed learning opportunity that will prepare our undergraduates for the ever-evolving healthcare industry", said Universiti Malaya Faculty of Engineering's Dean, Professor Ir Dr Kaharudin Dimyati.
The collaboration aims to enhance undergraduates' knowledge and produce competent biomedical engineers capable of making a difference in the local healthcare industry.
The MoU includes curriculum development based on the latest advancement of medical technology and solutions in the industry, annual site visit at a designated Siemens Healthineers install-base location, and professional development of final year undergraduates among others.
"Our goal at Siemens Healthineers is to provide a connection between education and practice so that new graduates feel ready to engage in the workforce from day one. A third of our workforce are biomedical engineers, so developing these top talents are as much a part of our DNA as it is for Universiti Malaya. This is the foundation of our partnership we commenced three years ago and it's only getting better," said Siemens Healthineers Malaysia's managing director, Rod Frazer.
The previous collaboration has seen 14 educational sessions organised with six undergraduates awarded internship opportunities with Siemens Healthineers. One of the trainees has received a full-time employment position and eventually pursued other opportunities in the industry.
Pauline Yeoh, currently pursuing her PhD, shares that the programme has equipped her with relevant and updated knowledge of the medical imaging industry whereas her internship has further provided her with a clearer view of the theoretical knowledge I learnt in class. "This internship gave me a lot of exposure and experience that actually developed my interest in this field (Biomedical Engineering)."