Strengthening International Collaboration: German Technology Park Melaka Gains Momentum with IWS-WEC Visit and TVET Development Exploration

On 8 May 2025, the Melaka State Government hosted a high-level delegation from the Internationale Wirtschaftssenat – World Economic Council (IWS-WEC), signalling growing international interest in the state’s investment opportunities. The visit, facilitated by MIDA Melaka, marked a significant milestone in the efforts to advance the development of the German Technology Park (GTP).

The programme commenced at the Melaka International Trade Centre with a comprehensive briefing on Melaka’s investment landscape and the GTP’s development vision. YB Datuk Khaidhirah Binti Abu Zahar, Deputy Exco for Investment, Industry and TVET Development, delivered her welcoming remarks, followed by an investment presentation by Mr. Jaibalan Harirajan, Director of MIDA Melaka. The session concluded with remarks from Mr. Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of IWS-WEC, and a productive Q&A session that enabled meaningful dialogue among stakeholders.

The delegation later paid a courtesy call on YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka. A key highlight of the visit was the official exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Melaka Corporation (MCORP) and IWS-WEC, symbolising the formalisation of this strategic collaboration.

To further showcase Melaka’s readiness to support high-technology investments, the delegation visited Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd., a flagship in the state’s thriving electronics and semiconductor ecosystem. The visit concluded with a cultural tour of Jonker Walk and the Melaka River Cruise, offering delegates an authentic experience of the state’s rich heritage.

The GTP is a proposed integrated development that aims to attract and host high-technology companies, particularly from Germany and Europe, in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automation, green energy, Industry 4.0, and digitalisation. The initiative reflects Melaka’s strategic push to strengthen its role as a regional hub for high-value investments while fostering technology transfer, innovation and economic sustainability.

As part of efforts to position GTP as a regional hub for advanced industries, the next phase of development focuses on building a comprehensive talent pipeline to support future investments. MCORP and IWS-WEC, with support from MIDA Melaka, are currently exploring potential collaboration with established institutions such as Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) to integrate a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) element into the GTP ecosystem.

Aligned with the objectives outlined for the GTP, MCORP is evaluating opportunities to strengthen the ecosystem through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange. These efforts include ongoing discussions with UTeM and GMI to explore collaboration in technical and vocational education, particularly to address high-tech industry needs.

This proposed initiative aims to develop a training environment focused on mechatronics, robotics, precision engineering, and Industry 4.0, in alignment with global German technical standards and local industrial needs. The involvement of UTeM and GMI is expected to ensure that training programmes are both industry-relevant and future-ready.

The GTP TVET initiative is envisioned to include structured apprenticeship programmes, dual vocational training models, and industry certification schemes, developed in partnership with future GTP tenants and German technology providers. Such collaboration supports Melaka’s broader strategy to promote TVET as a preferred career pathway and to build resilient, industry-ready human capital.

The State Government of Melaka, together with MIDA and MCORP, remains committed to advancing this agenda. The German Technology Park is set to become a catalyst for high-technology growth, supporting Malaysia’s vision for sustainable and innovation-led economic development through strategic investments, talent development, and global collaboration.