UTAR, DreamCatcher, and Silverlake Innovation Partners sign MoU to boost industry-academia synergy

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd and Silverlake Innovation Partners Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 20 May 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The MoU aimed at fostering greater collaboration between industry and academia, besides enriching students’ educational experiences and driving industry growth.

Front row, from left: Prof Yap, Prof Goi, Dr Hor, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dato’ Chin, Dr Ng and Dr Victor Tan

Back row, from left: Dr Hoo, Dr Lee, Dr Lai, Mr Chin, Pn Zulaikha, Ms Shirley Yee and Ms Catherine Wong

The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dr Hor Poh Jin and Silverlake Innovation Partners Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Chin Tzer Jinn.

Also present at the event were DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd Director of Talent Pipeline & Finishing School Dr Ng Chee Mang Desmen and Principal Consultant Dr Victor Tan; Silverlake Innovation Partners Sdn Bhd Legal Advisor Pn Atiqah Zulaikha; Professional Leading Career Sdn Bhd Managing Director Mr Chin Tzer Shyang and Career Mentor Ms Shirley Yee; and Internet Alliance of Malaysia Community Manager Ms Catherine Wong.

UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean for Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, LKC FES Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, LKC FES Head of Department of Internet Engineering and Computer Science Ts Dr Hoo Meei Hao, LKC FES academic Dr Sneha Kanchan and Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn were present as well.

Through this MoU signing, UTAR, DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd, and Silverlake Innovation Partners Sdn Bhd will collaborate under the 2u2i programme, an innovative programme that allows UTAR students to spend two years within the university’s academic environment, followed by a one-year industrial attachment with the partnering companies.

Through the 2u2i programme, students will be equipped with essential knowledge via structured and intensive training before graduation. This unique opportunity will provide hands-on experience and immersive learning, promoting innovation in technology and finance. It will equip students with practical skills and real-world insights, with active involvement from industry leaders at DreamCatcher and Silverlake Innovation Partners.

The MoU signing ceremony marked the beginning of a promising journey towards a future where academia and industry thrive in synergy. This collaboration aimed to set new standards for student development and industrial growth, promoting a talent pipeline of trained professionals ready for immediate deployment.

Second from right: Dr Hor, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dato’ Chin

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “UTAR is committed to fostering collaboration between industry and academia, recognizing it as essential for technological innovation and growth. Such partnerships provide solutions to societal needs and help develop a skilled and adaptable talent pool to meet future demands. Through this collaboration, we are shaping the careers of our students and enhancing the competitive edge of our industry.”

DreamCatcher Consulting Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dr Hor Poh Jin said, “DreamCatcher is committed to assist in bridging the academia and industry, especially in crafting relevant talent pipeline solutions that meet the industry requirement, whilst at the same time, ensuring that the program execution complies with the university quality requirement. 2u2i framework offers an excellent collaborative platform for the industry and academia eco-partners to groom more industry-ready graduates who are ready to meet the current demand and to drive the future innovation.”

Silverlake Innovation Partners Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Chin Tzer Jinn said, “We are excited with this collaboration. It provides an opportunity for university students to gain insights into the industry, and obtain necessary knowledge, skills, and experience beyond the academic teaching. We are honoured to support these talented students in building successful careers that positively contribute to society.”

From left: Dato’ Chin, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Hor signing the MoU documents

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Hor and Dato’ Chin


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