UTAR together with DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd exchanged MoU with six companies

Front row, from left: Encik Mohd Shahrir, Puan Jun Maria, Ts Nik Naharudin, Prof Dr Azlinda, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Klaus, Mr Lau, Dr Hor

UTAR together with DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd exchanged memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six esteemed companies, namely Bosch Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Worldline International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Aemulus Corporation Sdn Bhd, Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., on 22 September 2023 at Sungai Long Campus. At the heart of the MoU is the innovative 2u2i programme, wherein students at UTAR will have the chance to study for two years within the university’s academic environment, followed by a one-year internship programme in industry, with the partnered companies. DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd will be the industry-university facilitator, working closely with the six companies. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDEC) assisted in connecting the industries with the university.

Through the 2u2i programme, students will be equipped with essential knowledge via structured and intensive training before graduation, offering students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and fostering innovation within the technology sector. This immersive learning experience aims to equip students with practical skills and real-world insights, preparing them for the challenges of the modern workforce.

Representatives present at UTAR were Director-General of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) Prof Dr Azlinda binti Azman; Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDEC) Director of Talent and Capability, Digital Enablers Division, Ts Nik Naharudin bin Mohd Nasir; Managing Director of Bosch Malaysia Sdn Bhd (BOSCH) Mr Klaus Landhaeusser; Senior Director of Human Capital Management Division, Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) Puan Jun Maria Tan Abdullah; Advanced Micro Devices Global Service Inc. Director of Server Engineering Customer Enablement and Engineering Malaysia Site Lead Mr Lau Wai Shin; Director of Engineering of Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd Encik Mohd Shahrir Abdullah; Chief Executive Officer of DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd Dr Hor Poh Jin and President of UTAR Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

Prof Dr Azlinda giving her speech

Prof Dr Azlinda binti Azman said, “It is our aspiration and aim to invite all industry partners to work closely with our universities. Congratulations to UTAR for accepting this challenge. Real-life experiences and challenges are crucial for universities and students because they prepare students for the industry, and enhance their confidence, worldview, and enthusiasm for the workforce.” She added, “This joint effort by UTAR and industry partners bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world expectations. Education institutions provide knowledge and skills, but practical experiences are equally essential. We hope this collaboration model will spread to other institutions for students’ benefit. Congratulations once again to UTAR, DreamCatcher, and all industry partners in the 2u21 programme for your successful collaboration.”

Mr Klaus giving his speech

Mr Klaus Landhaeusser expressed his appreciation to both UTAR and DreamCatcher, “I want to express my gratitude to both UTAR as well as DreamCatcher for initiating this MoU and for involving Bosch in such meaningful collaboration.” He also said, “Nurturing future-ready leaders is important to what Bosch stands for – Invented for Life. Partnering with esteemed universities like UTAR is how we actively involve ourselves in upskilling the local talents; by providing them with real-world working opportunities with international exposure.”

Puan Jun Maria delivering her speech

Puan Jun Maria said, “This occasion signifies a momentous milestone for PayNet, as we feel fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed partners. As a key player in the financial services industry, we are united with UTAR and other members of academia, government agencies, and learning partners to transform the 2u2i programme into a reality and success.” Puan Jun Maria conveyed her enthusiasm in backing this initiative by offering practical work experience to undergraduate students, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge effectively. Puan Jun Maria added, “Our aim is sustainable talent growth, industry-wide benefit.”

Encik Nik Naharudin giving his speech

Encik Nik Naharudin said, “MDEC is an institution that guides the growth of the technology industry in Malaysia and I know that it is impossible to grow the technology industry without academics. We understand the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in the growth of the technology industry in Malaysia.” He also stated the two challenges of the 2u2i programme, which were sustainability and versatility. He said, “The sustainability problem can be resolved by uniting dedicated industry players with committed universities, and DreamCatcher’s involvement in the programme is seen as a solution to this challenge. In terms of versatility, industries seek a diverse pool of students for their companies. Collaborating with various university faculties helps address the need for a varied incoming workforce.” He expressed his hope that both students and lecturers would benefit from such initiatives and pledged continued support for similar programmes in the future.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “UTAR believes in the collaboration between industry and academics as such collaboration is the key to technological innovation and growth that provide solutions to meet the needs of society and develop an agile and competent talent pool to meet the rigorous demand in the future. With this collaboration, we are not only shaping the careers of aspiring students but also enhancing the competitive edge of our industry.”

From left: Dr Ng Chee Mang representing Aemulus Sdn Bhd, Mr Klaus Landhaeusser, Mr Lau, Dr Hor, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Dr Azlinda, Ts Nik Naharuddin, MOHE Director of Industry and Community Collaboration Division Dato’ Mohd Sharil bin Abdullah, Puan Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Encik Mohd Sharir Abdullah and Dr Tan Juan Boon representing Worldline International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Dr Azlinda

From left: Dr Hor, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Dr Azlinda, Ts Nik Naharudin

During campus tour