As part of an ongoing initiative to nurture local talents in biomedical engineering, Universiti Malaya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Siemens Healthineers Malaysia to renew their collaborative educational program with the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering for another three years.
“Biomedical engineers play a significant role in the healthcare but humbly considered a 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 Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya.
The collaboration aims to enhance undergraduates’ s knowledge and produce competent biomedical engineers capable of making a difference in the local healthcare industry. The MoU covers the following areas:
- Curriculum development based on the latest advancement of medical technology and solutions in the industry – Siemens Healthineers Technical Experts or authorized speakers to deliver maximum three (3) workshops or lectures each semester, on an annual basis
- Enhance knowledge transfer through on-site practical training – One (1) annual site visit at a designated Siemens Healthineers install-base location
- Professional development of final year undergraduates to prepare them as career-ready Biomedical Engineers – Top two (2) final year undergraduates selected annually by the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering to participate in a comprehensive training and internship program under Siemens Healthineers Malaysia’s Customer Service Engineering team.
The previous collaboration from 2019 to 2021 resulted in 14 educational sessions organized and six (6) undergraduates awarded internship opportunities with Siemens Healthineers. One of the trainees became a full-time employee and eventually pursued other opportunities in the industry.
Pauline Yeoh, currently doing a PhD at University Malaya shared, “The program equipped me with relevant and updated knowledge of the medical imaging industry whereas my internship provided a clearer view of the theoretical knowledge I learned in class. This internship gave me a lot of exposure and experience that actually developed my interest in this field (Biomedical Engineering).”
Vignash Asokan, a final-year degree student in Biomedical Engineering further added, “At Siemens Healthineers, I had the opportunity to understand how medical equipment works, how a picture (scanned image) should look like and how to perform routine system maintenance. Currently working on my final year project on “In-Stent Restenosis”, I had to build a 3D image processing system and with the knowledge gained from my internship, it was easier to both understand and work with my project supervisor to produce a good 3D imaging processing system.”
The MoU also takes a nostalgic route as some of the existing engineers and technical experts at Siemens Healthineers Malaysia were former alumni of University Malaya and are pleased to be able to share their experiences and knowledge with the new generation, soon to be making their mark in the industry.
“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 its only getting better,” said Rod Frazer, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in Malaysia.
