GMI Interns Earmarked for Precision Machining and Tool Manufacturing at HPMT

Shah Alam - German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) interns will be given a new option for their industrial training placement when the institute signs a Memorandum of Understanding with HPMT Industries Sdn Bhd on April 12^th, 2016, whereby the collaboration will be prevalent for three years.  The ceremony will be attended by signatories-Mr Yusoff Md Sahir, GMI Managing Director, and Mr Khoo Seng Giap, HPMT Director of Operations, and the respective company representatives- Mr Ngan Cheng Hwa, GMI DMD Education & Training, and Mr Khoo Yee Her, Director of HPMT Industries Sdn. Bhd., and other company personnel.

A leading solid carbide-cutting tools manufacturer, HPMT has more than 200 skilled specialists and staff who are willing to take the interns under their wings through the internship programme.

HPMT Director of Operations, Mr Khoo Seng Giap said the internship programme will be conducted twice a year and will mostly involve final year students.  “The number of students may vary every semester.  We will also participate in GMI Career and Education Fair to source for suitable candidates.”

HPMT will also provide financial support for shortlisted candidates with high potentials to enroll in any diploma or German A-Level Preparatory Programme (GAPP) offered by GMI.  These candidates will be handpicked by HPMT prior to the sponsorship offer.

 “We believe that it is pivotal to have well-trained and competent specialists to support our plans for 100 percent capacity expansion by 2020.  Growth is a survival mechanism and is our way towards achieving high skill high income status for HPMT employees,” said Mr Khoo.

With the signing of the MoU, HPMT and GMI officially widen their scope of collaboration which not only includes GMI student internship programme and HPMT staff enrolment, but also comprises GMI staff industrial attachment at HPMT which provides GMI staff to get updates on the latest development and the opportunity to acquire new skills.  The staff attachment will place GMI staff together with HPMT’s experts in precision tool manufacturing.  The experience and skills shared at HPMT is hope to benefit GMI staff and students when it is applied in the classrooms and labs to better prepare students for the precision metal industry later on.

In addition, both parties will be jointly conducting research and development (R&D) activities to explore industrial applications from both practical and academic perspectives.  The R&D activities will focus on precision machining solutions and cutting tools manufacturing processes.

With so much to look forward to, HPMT staff will also be involved in production technology upskilling programmes run by GMI to enhance their knowledge on specific industry trends. “Through this initiative, we hope to help our staff to continuously upgrade their skills.”

“Through these projects we will combine theoretical and practical approach to have more in-depth understanding of a case project and comprehensive development of tooling solution for multiple industries.  Ultimately we hope to further enhance our innovation capabilities to deliver greater value for our customers,” added Mr Khoo.

“At the end of the three years, we hope to have achieved our objectives and perhaps continue with the collaboration, if needed,” Mr Khoo said.

The future holds a lot more for HPMT and GMI as HPMT plans to participate in the Dual Vocational Training (DVT) Programme coordinated by GMI once the necessary requirements have been established.

HPMT manufactures solid carbide cutting tools for drilling and milling industries, with distribution to more than 35 countries in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.  The company also manufactures specialized tools for other applications.

A joint venture between the governments of Malaysia and Germany, GMI is now one of the leading technical and vocational education hubs in the country.  The institution offers a wide range of programmes including diploma programmes, pre-university programme, skills upgrading and technical courses and train-the-trainer programmes.

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