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ZEISS Partners with Universities in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia

24 March 2025

In Southeast Asia, manufacturing is undergoing a transformation. As the region increasingly adopts Industry 4.0 technologies, there’s a growing demand for a highly skilled workforce to support advanced manufacturing processes. In response, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is proud to partner with universities across Southeast Asia to help bridge the skills gap in this rapidly evolving sector.

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Manufacturing

Southeast Asia’s manufacturing sector has seen both growth and decline in recent years. Countries with strong foreign direct investment (FDI) are witnessing growth, especially in high-tech industries like electronics, electric vehicle (EV) production, and battery manufacturing. However, there’s also a decline in certain sectors, particularly those involving lower-skilled, labor-intensive jobs, as automation and global competition continue to reshape the industry.

As these changes unfold, new opportunities are emerging in high-skill roles, such as automation specialists, engineers, and metrology experts. To meet these challenges and harness these opportunities, it’s crucial for workers in the region to gain advanced skills in fields like automation, precision manufacturing, and quality control.

ZEISS’s Commitment to Upskilling the Next Generation of Manufacturing Professionals

ZEISS recognizes the need for a robust pipeline of talent to fill these high-skill roles. Our partnerships with universities across Southeast Asia aim to integrate advanced metrology training into academic curricula, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the future of manufacturing.

By focusing on early-stage education, ZEISS is helping students develop the critical skills needed to thrive in a landscape where precision and automation are paramount. This collaboration is more than just about offering knowledge—it’s about creating opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on experience that will directly benefit the industry.

Partnerships that Drive Change

Our university partnerships offer a wealth of benefits, both for students and educational institutions:

  • Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Students and educators gain access to the latest metrology technologies and industry trends, including advancements in engineering design, production, and quality assurance.
  • Internship Opportunities: Students can participate in internships at ZEISS, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world environments and gain invaluable experience to enhance their careers.

ZEISS is proud to have partnered with numerous universities across the region, including:

Malaysia

  • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) (2022)

Thailand

  • Mahidol University (2021)
  • Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) (2021)
  • King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) (2021)
  • Chiangmai University (2021)
  • Phetchaburi Rajabhat University (PBRU) (2022)
  • Additional partnerships with 25 other institutions from 2022 to 2025.
  • MOU Signing Ceremony between ZEISS and University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia

Training and Development in Action

One of the key highlights of our collaboration is the successful implementation of a GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) training course at APU, which was integrated into the first-year engineering design curriculum in March 2024v. This course merges CAD software modeling with GD&T theory, giving students a comprehensive understanding of precision manufacturing techniques.

National Skills Competition for Vocational Education held at Suphanburi Technical College in February 2024

ZEISS is also committed to supporting hands-on learning. In February 2024, we participated as judges in the National Skills Competition for Vocational Education at Suphanburi Technical College, further demonstrating our dedication to fostering skills in the region.

  • ZEISS Thailand Intern from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University training her course mates as part of her final internship evaluation. Evaluation by lecturer and ZEISS Master Trainer, Prasert Seatang

Building a Workforce Ready for Industry 4.0

As Southeast Asia embraces automation and the next generation of manufacturing technologies, upskilling and reskilling initiatives like those championed by ZEISS are more critical than ever. By partnering with universities and offering hands-on training, we are helping to ensure that the region’s workforce is prepared to meet the demands of an advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

At ZEISS, we believe that the future of manufacturing in Southeast Asia will be defined by a workforce that is not only equipped with technical skills but also agile enough to adapt to the rapid changes brought by Industry 4.0. Through our partnerships, we aim to support the next generation of professionals who will drive the region’s manufacturing sector forward, ensuring its growth, innovation, and continued success.

For more information on our initiatives and partnerships, please visit ZEISS Academic Program for Enhanced Metrology Education.


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