Malaysian Ambassador Visits German UDS Headquarters

On 31st of March 2026, German UDS welcomed His Excellency Mohamad Razdan Jamil, Ambassador of Malaysia to Germany, to its headquarters for a high-level exchange on the future of digital education, lifelong learning, and opportunities for strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Germany.

The meeting formed part of German UDS’s ongoing dialogue with international partners interested in the University-as-a-Service model, which offers university functions as modular services, making it a flexible resource for academia and industry alike.

Strengthening Digital Capabilities Through Education

German UDS Cofounder Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen introduced the Ambassador to the institution’s University-as-a-Service concept, outlining its potential relevance for Malaysia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Discussions centered on the national need for broader digital literacy, talent development, and the cultural shift required to reduce fear and skepticism around new technologies.

The Ambassador highlighted Malaysia’s need to create clear KPIs, raise awareness about digital safety, and build public trust in digital systems. He noted that Malaysia could serve as an ideal hub for strengthening digital awareness across Southeast Asia.

From Lifelong Learning to National Digital Transformation

Prof. Friedrichsen stressed that German UDS’s offering goes far beyond traditional higher education:

“Our programs are not only for young people. We stand for lifelong learning, welcoming all ages and addressing diverse target groups. In doing so, we are implementing Humboldt’s idea of holistic, continuous education.”

He also outlined German UDS’s competency-based assessment model, moving beyond multiple-choice testing to evaluate problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world application.

The Ambassador raised a number of strategic considerations, including how to objectively test learners, how to prepare leaders for a digital future, and how to address the growing need for national large language models.

Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening critical thinking across all layers of society and avoiding stagnation—especially in countries where digital roadmaps exist but are seldom implemented due to technical complexity or limited public understanding.

Potential for Malaysia–Germany Academic Cooperation

His Excellency Mohamad Razdan Jamil expressed strong interest in introducing German UDS to Malaysian universities and facilitating connections with institutions seeking guidance on digital transformation. He emphasized that transformation is not limited to IT or multimedia fields, but spans all aspects of life, requiring a nation-wide shift in mindset.

When asked about his impression of the visit, the Ambassador said:

“I felt that the conversation this morning was very interesting. We need to be forward-thinking and adapt to new challenges, especially in digitalisation. It is good for Malaysia and Germany to build linkages to better understand our two regions.”

Prof. Mike Friedrichsen concluded the visit by reaffirming German UDS’s openness to deeper cooperation:

“Our exchange with the Ambassador made it clear that Malaysia and Germany share a common aspiration: to use digitalization as a unifying force, not a dividing one. By combining strengths in education, technology, and talent development, we may build pathways that help students and professionals navigate a fast-changing digital world. German UDS stands ready to support this kind of partnership.”