Running forward, fuelling futures at Huawei Connected Campus 2025

When discussing artificial intelligence (AI), Huawei’s prominent role in the development of emerging technologies, including AI, is difficult to overlook. The device in your hand may very well carry the hallmark of this global tech giant’s innovative spirit. In the pursuit of sustainable progress and future technological convenience, companies around the world are actively identifying and nurturing young talents.

As a university that values a holistic approach towards a transformative future, UTAR graduates are also part of this evolving narrative. On 29 July 2025, UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) joined hands with Huawei Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Huawei) to organise the yearly talent-recruiting initative — the Huawei Connected Campus 2025.

This annual programme was co-organised with UTAR Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) at the Kampar Campus. It attracted more than 1,400 students and alumni.

Themed Run the World. Fuel the Future!, the Huawei Connected Campus 2025 served as a platform for students and alumni to delve into the industrial application of next-generation technologies, and gain insights into the recruitment process to join one of the world’s largest tech companies.

Beyond that, participants were offered a diverse array of skill-empowering and fun activities at the event, including talk sessions by industry experts, networking opportunities at the interactive booths and live interview counters, and games to spark engagement amidst the pursuit of an interconnected future—one shaped by the talents of tomorrow.

The highlight of the event was the career talks given by Huawei Malaysia Digital Power Business Director Mr Chong Chern Peng, Huawei Asia Pacific Manager Management Ms Eileen Tan, and Huawei Malaysia ICT Academy Talent Ecosystem Manager Ms Delea Tan.

The introduction to the organisational structure of Huawei was made by Mr Chong. His introduction emphasised several points, particularly history of Huawei Malaysia, mission and vision, technological breakthroughs in collaboration with Malaysian partners, and latest market ventures.

Meanwhile, the talent development and recruitment process were elucidated by Ms Eileen Tan. As a UTAR alumna, she shared her journey as a fresh graduate at Huawei, working in Cambodia and Malaysia. She shed light on the various approaches Huawei used to identify talents such as competitions and talent development programmes. She also shared the diverse career paths offered at Huawei, enabling its employees to tap into their latent potential through the training resources provided by the company. “At Huawei, we work hard and play hard,” Ms Eileen Tan enthused about the company’s work culture.

During the talk session by Ms Delea Tan, she offered insights into the profile of Huawei Malaysia ICT Academy. She led the participants through the range of certification programmes and competitions offered by the tech company worldwide. More than just badges and certificates, she explained that the ICT certification system is designed to showcase the significant milestones achieved by recipients—not just an industrial validation of technical skills and growth, but also a comprehensive way to identify talents who are committed to lifelong learning of technology.

The Founder of OpenMinds, Mr Jan Wong, who is an entrepreneur listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 took to the stage during the soft skill talk titled How to Build Your Profile. He shared his inspiring journey from student to industrial leader, encouraging young minds to pursue their desired career despite the odds. Emphasising the importance of building a digital presence, he outlined five key strategies: maintain a searchable profile, define your identity, create discoverable content, engage in relevant communities, and build a public profile. He also shared valuable insights on time management and utilising personal hobbies as means of self-promotion.

In addition to Huawei's activities, UTAR FICT also organised a series of talks under the Industrial Exposure Day, offering students a broader perspective beyond Huawei's ecosystem. These included:

In his remarks, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato' Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “Our engagement with Huawei dates back to 2012 when we proudly inaugurated Malaysia's first UTAR-Huawei Networking Lab, which was part of the national Talent Roadmap 2020 initiative. Since then, we have hosted several iterations of Huawei Connected Campus and Huawei Day—from the forum-style event in 2017 to the immersive Huawei Day 2024 at Kampar.”

He added, “Through the Huawei ICT Academy, launched in 2018, UTAR lecturers have earned Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) credentials, integrating Huawei's HCIA-Routing &-Switching modules into our Engineering curriculum. This includes Enterprise Network Simulation Platform — simulation tools and hands-on assessments, ensuring our students graduate industry-ready.”

Huawei Malaysia Digital Power Business Director Mr Chong remarked, “Talent development has always been very important to Huawei, as we believe it is the key to driving new ideas in innovation and digital transformation. It is imperative for industry and academia, such as UTAR, to work together to build an inclusive, innovative and vibrant talent ecosystem.”

He added, “We are proud to collaborate with UTAR to develop and nurture tomorrow's tech talents. In 2023, Huawei Malaysia became an industry partner for UTAR's 2u2i programme, which combines two years of university study with one or two years of industrial placement. That same year, we also established a work-based learning programme with UTAR, incorporating two years of academic study and one year of practical training at Huawei as part of the student's degree programme. Additionally, our scholarship programme has supported more than 20 outstanding UTAR students. Today, over a hundred UTAR graduates are part of Huawei Malaysia, contributing to advancements in technology, ICT, and innovation.”

Also present at the opening ceremony of the Huawei Connected Campus 2025 were UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, FICT Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Huawei Malaysia Human Resource Director Mr Jack Li, Huawei Asia Pacific Region Talent Acquisition Manager Ms Foong Lai Ying, Huawei delegates, UTAR staff and students.

Today, accessing well-structured sentences or entire articles may be as simple as typing a few letters into an AI canvas. Yet, behind this seamless convenience lies a dynamic ecosystem of talent, innovation, and collaboration. It is this very network that UTAR and industry partners like Huawei Malaysia are striving to strengthen—a shared commitment to cultivating future-ready graduates who will continue to shape the digital age.