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SHAH ALAM, 11 November 2015 - International College of Automotive (“ICAM”), a member of the DRB-HICOM Group, has been conferred university status by the Ministry of Higher Education. Its new name is DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia.
With the upgrade, DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia is now amongst the first in Asean to offer home-grown bachelor degree, master and doctoral programmes relating to the automotive ecosystem, which includes mechanical, business and management studies.
“This elevation into becoming a full-fledged university marks a significant milestone for its growing stature as a leading institution of higher learning in the region,” said Brigadier General (K) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad.
He added that DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia plays an important role towards making sure that the nation has a steady supply of industry-ready workforce and also in meeting the Government’s objective of developing a knowledge-driven society.
“What makes us different is our balanced approach to education; similar to the dual training concept widely practiced in Germany where nearly 60% of its workers train as apprentices. This combination of theory and practice gives our students a head start in their careers as they would have accumulated the required technical knowledge together with hands-on experience in their jobs,” remarked Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil.
Operating from a well-facilitated 42-acre campus in Pekan, the advantage DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia offers is in being strategically placed alongside DRB-HICOM’s regional automotive hub, which houses the nation's largest integrated automotive assembly complex, which makes it probably one of its kind in the world.
“Pekan, a royal town that was once heavily reliant on agriculture, has expanded to become a regional automotive hub housing numerous industry-leading international marques, and now, an education centre housing a full-fledged university,” said Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil.
He also pointed out the university’s conducive environment in Pekan – being far away from the distractions of the city and comparatively quiet environment - provides the ideal setting for students to fully focus on their learning.
Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil further attributed the university’s progress to the steadfast efforts by the management team and faculty members. He said: “We have brought together a strong faculty team led by experienced education professionals and academicians with both local and international experiences who have worked in established academic institutions around the world, providing the perfect combination to take the university to greater heights.”
Backed by a combined senior management team’s working experience of more than 50 years in the education industry, DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia’s management and academic team of 87 faculty members comprises more than 5 different nationalities including from New Zealand , India, Jordan, Iran and Pakistan.
He added: “The talents produced by DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia are provided with invaluable industry experience at the companies within the DRB-HICOM Group and will be ready for the workplace upon completion of their studies.”