The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava is strengthening cooperation with the key branch of the Slovakia industry. Oliver Moravčík, the STU Rector, signed a memorandum with Geon Won Shin, the KIA President at the headquarters of KIA Slovakia. The memorandum determines extensive opportunities for cooperation, including support for research and creative activity of students, support for student internships and mobility, exchange of experts and participation in educational events.
After the University of Žilina and the Technical University in Košice, STU is the third university having signed a memorandum of cooperation with the important car company. As part of cooperation, the car manufacturer has so far donated six robots to the three universities, while STU received three of them. The car manufacturer also supported five students with a scholarship of 3,000 euros, and other five have the chance to receive up to 4,000 euros during the current academic year. At the same time, the company supported 24 students in writing their final theses. Currently, KIA Slovakia provides scholarships and professional practice to a total of 15 students of three various universities.
"Cooperation of universities with modern companies forms a bridge between theory and practice, thus enabling the education of students. Young people contribute with new ideas, innovations and creative solutions, thus shaping the constantly changing working and social environment. This mutual dialogue is the strength that moves our industry forward, and the joint steps allow us to shape the common future - modern, dynamic and adaptable," said Branislav Imre, Vice-President of KIA Slovakia responsible for the Administration Division.
To guarantee continuous implementation of the activities, the Memorandum establishes regular half-yearly evaluation meetings of KIA Slovakia and STU, where both parties will evaluate the progress achieved and inform about the results of the activities.
"I believe that the cooperation of the Slovak University of Technology with one of the major representatives of the automotive sector in Slovakia will be mutually beneficial. We expect it to reinforce the attractiveness of studies, provide possibilities of applied research and increase motivation for the study of technologies, which are the driving force and prerequisite for the development of economy and society," added Oliver Moravčík, the STU Rector.
KIA Slovakia is the only production plant of KIA Corporation in Europe. It was built between the years 2004 and 2006. Production of cars and engines started in December 2006. KIA Slovakia has a long-term stable number of 3,700 employees, and produces the KIA Ceed models in four body versions and KIA Sportage, the sports utility vehicle. KIA Slovakia is one of the major manufacturers and exporters in Slovakia. Since the start of series production in December 2006, more than 4 million vehicles and over 7 million engines have left the plant's gates.
15 December 2023
Photo: Kia Slovakia