BANGKOK, Mar 27 — The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Approved Training Body (ATB) has reaffirmed its long-standing and strategic international collaboration with the Welding Institute of Thailand (WIT) through an official visit held on 27 March 2026 at the Thai-French Innovation Centre, situated within King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB).

This visit represents a significant milestone in a partnership that began with its first formal engagement in 2019. Over the years, both institutions have consistently demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in welding engineering education, professional certification, and applied research. The 2026 visit further underscores the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing technical excellence and regional capacity building within Southeast Asia.

The UTM ATB delegation was led by Dr. Mohd Faridh Ahmad Zaharuddin, Director of UTM ATB, accompanied by Ts. Khidzir Zakaria, a certified International Welding Engineer (IWE) instructor. The delegation was warmly received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panarit Sethakul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIT, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Sojiphan, Program Coordinator of the Regional Vocational Instructor Education (RVIE) programme at the Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS). The meeting provided a valuable platform for both parties to exchange insights on current developments in welding technologies, training methodologies, and certification systems. Discussions also focused on strengthening alignment with international standards, enhancing curriculum delivery, and exploring opportunities for joint programmes, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives.

The WIT is widely recognised as a leading national institution dedicated to the advancement of welding and joining technologies. Operating from the Thai-French Innovation Centre, WIT plays a critical role in providing training, certification, consultancy, and research services to support industrial growth. As a centre of excellence, WIT actively promotes internationally recognised certification schemes and works closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that workforce competencies meet global requirements. Its strategic positioning within KMUTNB further enhances its ability to integrate academic knowledge with industrial application, making it a key partner for regional collaboration.

A central pillar of the collaboration between UTM ATB and WIT is the implementation and continuous enhancement of the IWE programme at UTM. The IWE programme was established at UTM ATB to address the growing demand for highly qualified welding professionals capable of supporting complex engineering projects across multiple industries. The programme is structured to provide a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering essential areas such as welding processes, materials science, design and fabrication, inspection, and quality assurance. Delivered in accordance with international guidelines, the programme ensures that graduates are equipped with globally recognised competencies. Through collaboration with WIT, UTM ATB benefits from benchmarking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and exposure to best practices in training delivery and assessment. This has contributed to strengthening the quality and credibility of the IWE programme in Malaysia.

The continued partnership between UTM ATB and WIT has resulted in numerous mutual benefits for both institutions. Among the most significant is the facilitation of knowledge exchange, allowing experts from both sides to share technical expertise, teaching approaches, and industry insights. In addition, the collaboration enhances capacity building by producing a new generation of skilled welding engineers who are trained according to international standards. This contributes directly to improving workforce quality and supporting industrial competitiveness in both countries. The partnership also supports continuous improvement in programme delivery. By engaging in regular discussions and benchmarking exercises, both institutions are able to refine their training frameworks, ensuring relevance to evolving industry needs. Furthermore, the collaboration strengthens regional networking, fostering closer ties within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) engineering and technical education community.

Beyond institutional benefits, the collaboration between UTM ATB and WIT holds significant implications for national and regional development. In Malaysia, the strengthening of the IWE programme supports the country’s ambition to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to key sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and advanced fabrication. Similarly, in Thailand, WIT’s role in promoting high-quality welding training and certification contributes to the country’s industrial advancement and global competitiveness. The alignment of training standards between the two institutions further enhances workforce mobility and recognition across borders. At the regional level, this collaboration exemplifies the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing shared challenges in technical education and industrial development. By working together, UTM ATB and WIT are helping to elevate the standard of welding engineering across Southeast Asia, supporting innovation, safety, and sustainability in engineering practices.

As both institutions continue to build on their collaboration, there is strong potential for expanding joint initiatives in areas such as research, innovation, and digitalisation in welding technologies. Future engagements may also include student and staff mobility programmes, joint certification initiatives, and collaborative industry projects. The visit on 27 March 2026 not only reinforces the strong foundation established since 2019 but also signals a forward-looking commitment to deeper collaboration. Through sustained partnership, UTM ATB and WIT are well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of welding engineering education and professional development in the region.