IBM talent programme inspires future-ready students

Cross-technology skills are highly sought-after assets in today’s world. As we enter the next phase of technological evolution, expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is inevitably given top priority amid the rapid leap towards humanity’s next breakthrough.

However, beneath the brilliance of transforming innovative concepts into daily practice lies a significant yet challenging issue— talent scarcity. As demand for multidisciplinary experts surges, the skills gap continues to widen. Stories of technology giants offering lucrative and irresistible offers to experts in the nascent field of AI development immediately come to mind.

Bridging this gap requires not only continuous upskilling but also fostering a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and lifelong learning to ensure the workforce remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of the digital era. One of the ongoing efforts by UTAR to achieve this goal is through sustainable collaboration with both players of industry and academia.

To equip UTAR students with industry-relevant skills, the UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) invited Mr Gajendran Karunanithi, Leader of IBM Malaysia Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, to conduct a briefing session on the IBM SkillsBuild Talent Program.

Held on 5 March 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, the session aimed to introduce students to the programme offered by one of the world’s largest computing organisations, while also keeping them up to date with the latest developments in the technology sector.

During the briefing session, Mr Gajendran provided an overview of the IBM SkillsBuild Talent Program and its crucial role in supporting students, professionals and the wider community. He highlighted the importance of digital literacy, emerging technologies, and professional development.

Besides introducing the IBM SkillsBuild Talent Program, Mr Gajendran also shared his insights on the latest technological developments, including progress in AI, cloud computing, and sustainability initiatives. As one of the main drivers of AI talent training, Mr Gajendran outlined IBM’s commitment to integrating these technologies into its corporate social responsibility efforts, while guiding students on various ways to make good use of IBM’s resources for their future career growth.

Not only did students learn an effective way to broaden their technological horizons, but they also engaged in meaningful discussions with Mr Gajendran on career opportunities, industry trends, key technical and professional skills, and the support provided by IBM through the SkillsBuild platform.

IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform offering free educational courses to the public, with up to more than 1,000 online courses, covering a multitude of topics such as cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, technical support, and project management. By participating in the IBM SkillsBuild Talent Program, students are given the opportunity to acquire globally recognised digital credentials and gain hands-on experience through interactive learning modules and practical assessments, giving them a competitive edge in the evolving job market.

UTAR extends its gratitude to IBM Malaysia and Mr Gajendran for providing students with the opportunity to enhance their skillsets, better preparing them to embrace the challenges and opportunities in the AI era. Together with industry and academic players, including IBM Malaysia, UTAR will continue fostering collaborative initiatives that empower students with future-ready skills as part of its commitment to talent development, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies.