PEKAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has emerged as the sole public university in Malaysia to be recognised by the United Kingdom's Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).
UMPSA, which marked its 22nd anniversary in February, is certified as one of the hybrid and EV training centres in the country.
Its vice-chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin, described IMI as one of the automotive institutions authorised to issue professional and competency certificates for high voltage EVs (voltages above 60V DC).
"UMPSA began its effort to obtain the IMI International Approved Centre certification two years ago by developing an EV laboratory, doing benchmarking and providing training to the teaching staff.
"Gaining IMI approval will pave the way for UMPSA to offer a professional certificate programme in EV maintenance for its undergraduates."
Yuserrie said it would also allow UMPSA to offer training for industry players and the community.
"Trainees who obtain professional certificates from IMI are eligible to work in countries that recognise them. This will allow more skilled technical trainees to be produced, especially in the field of EV maintenance," he said in a statement.
Yuserrie earlier received the certificate of accreditation from IMI from its external quality assurer, Stephen Longworth, here.
Longworth's visit to the campus marks the completion of the IMI international full centre approval module, IMI international accredited assessor and verifier workshop at UMPSA's Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology faculty here.
Prior to securing the certification, UMPSA's Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology faculty held a series of training sessions, including on IMI systems and procedure training for administrator, centre coordinator, invigilator and technical trainers, last month.
Meanwhile, Yuserrie expressed his appreciation to the Higher Education Ministry for its assistance and commitment in assisting UMPSA to obtain the accreditation.
