RMIT Vietnam Strengthens Hi-Tech Industry Connections

SINGAPORE, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- RMIT University Vietnam has entered a strategic partnership with leading international testing, instrumentation and measurement technology company National Instruments (NI).

The deal will see National Instruments support RMIT Vietnam's technology and engineering programs through joint training and educational activities, as well as providing internship opportunities for students.

In addition, the company will provide US$16,000 over the next two years to further develop the Master of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Engineering) program and RMIT Vietnam's purpose built electronic engineering laboratory facilities. National Instruments will also continue providing input and advice on the engineering courses offered at RMIT Vietnam by participating in the Industry Engagement Committee of the Centre of Technology.

RMIT University Vietnam President Professor Merilyn Liddell said the agreement further cemented the Centre of Technology's links with major industry players.

"National Instruments is a world-renowned organisation and it is this kind of cooperation that helps prepare our students to take up roles with major international companies," she said.

"Because of the particular skills and knowledge our Master of Engineering graduates acquire, they really do have a passport to the world in terms of the career options available to them."

Professor Liddell said the input of National Instruments into the development of the program would ensure it continued to be relevant to industry and at the leading edge of technical development.

Mr. Chandran Nair, Managing Director of National Instruments Southeast Asia said, "RMIT is focused on industry relevant education through a comprehensive curriculum. Modern laboratory facilities, software and hardware tools including those from NI for hands-on and project based learning will help RMIT graduates be better placed to contribute immediately to the companies that hire them.

"National Instruments is proud to partner with RMIT both in Australia and in Vietnam. We work extensively with leading universities worldwide to train engineers in the latest technologies through our global academic programs and this partnership with RMIT will help graduate very good engineers with industry relevant skills," he added.

The Memorandum of Understanding between RMIT Vietnam and National Instruments was signed at a ceremony at the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening, 21 August.

About National Instruments

Since 1976, National Instruments (www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. NI's graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. The company's long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.

National Instruments is transforming the way engineers and scientists design, prototype and deploy systems for measurement, automation and embedded applications. NI empowers customers with off-the-shelf software such as NI LabVIEW and modular cost-effective hardware, and sells to a broad base of more than 30,000 different companies worldwide, with its largest customer representing approximately 4 percent of revenue in 2010 and no one industry representing more than 15 percent of revenue. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has approximately 5,200 employees and direct operations in more than 40 countries.

About RMIT University Vietnam

RMIT Vietnam is the major Asian centre of operations for RMIT University. RMIT Vietnam is creating an innovative research, teaching and learning culture. It is committed to providing internationally recognised high-quality education and professional training for its students, clients and members of the community.

As an internationally recognised Australian university based in Asia, RMIT Vietnam assists in the development of human resources in Vietnam and the region by providing opportunities for students from around the world to belong to an international educational community that supports them to achieve their potential in an increasingly globalised world.

RMIT Vietnam is increasingly developing more diverse academic programs, regionally based research projects, new business and government partnerships, and growing numbers of students and academics moving between RMIT Vietnam and campuses elsewhere in the region. 

Further media information:

Ms Le Mong Thuy, Senior Communications Officer, RMIT International University Vietnam - phone: (84.8) 3776 1386, email: thuy.le@rmit.edu.vn

Ms. Jessie Lee, Marketing Communications Specialist, National Instruments - phone: (65) 6226 5886, email: jessie.lee@ni.com