Initial discussions between Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance, Professor Frank Bezzina and Director of HR at Methode Electronics Malta Mr David Parnis resulted in a cordial visit by University of Malta academics at the Methode Malta premises.
The delegation was made up of Professor Frank Bezzina, Professor Carl Debono (Dean, Faculty of ICT), Professor Emanuel Sinagra (Dean, Faculty of Science) and Professor Andrew Sammut (Dean, Faculty of Engineering). They met with Ms Angela-Jo Garas, Training specialist in charge of Training and Development at Methode Electronics and were given a tour of the premises and exposed to the state-of-the-art technologies designed and developed by Methode Electronics.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed possible ways of collaboration with the scope of signing an MOU in the coming days.
Amongst the various ways of collaboration, it was agreed that the University of Malta participates in the Methode Fellowship Programme, which will provide promising University students registered on the programme a hands-on experience in their development as future leaders of Methode during their academic studies.
This Fellowship will provide an opportunity for selected students to engage in training programmes, high level seminars, project work at Methode, short work visits abroad and an opportunity to further their studies locally or abroad besides employment opportunities with Methode. In addition, it was also agreed that the respective Faculties organize visits to Methode and with the possibility to run lectures on Methode premises and support students and academic staff to conduct joint research projects.
Professor Bezzina iterated that such collaborations are good examples of linking academia to industry and provide a bridge for students to experience both academic teaching fuelled by practical work and organisational experiences.
This is in line with the University of Malta鈥檚 strategy to make academic learning gain value in the real world.
