UTAR and Talent Houz sign MoU to strengthen academia-industry ties

UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agensi Pekerjaan Tetap Hangat Sdn Bhd (Talent Houz) at its Sungai Long Campus on 25 November 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership aims to enhance students’ professional readiness, skills development and career opportunities, while fostering stronger ties between UTAR and industry partners.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Talent Houz Co-founder Mr Oscar Low Chun Siang. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Talent Houz Operation Director Mr Ian Low Chun Shin.

Also present at the event were Talent Houz PR & Marketing Lead Ms Rene Yee and PR & Marketing Specialist Ms Sri Priyanqa Rueyen, alongside delegates from EasyTech, Nozomi Logistics, and Uniqlo Malaysia, demonstrating strong industry support for the collaboration.

Discussion in progress

Welcoming the industry delegates were UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Mr Low Chin Kian and academic Mr Low Choon Wei; Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee and academic Assoc Prof Dr Rubina Bahar; Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and staff.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on initiatives to support staff exchanges, mutual visits, and professional development opportunities, including participation in seminars, workshops, conferences, and other industry-related activities. UTAR students will also benefit from industrial study visits designed to provide real-world exposure and enrich their learning experiences.

The partnership also focuses on identifying, developing, and promoting skills training and continuing education programmes relevant to industry needs. Career development will be supported through structured initiatives such as mentor–mentee programmes, industrial attachments, industry-based assignments, industrial final-year projects (iFYP), employer projects, internship placements, and management trainee programmes. Networking opportunities will also be fostered through alumni events, industry insight-sharing sessions, and panel discussions, strengthening ties between academia, industry, and graduates.

From left: Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Oscar Low and Mr Ian Low during the MoU exchange

Prof Dato’ Ewe enthused, “Today’s collaboration offers a direct pathway to a steady pool of graduates who are well-prepared, adaptable, and ready to meet the demands of today’s workplace. With Talent Houz sharing industry insights, contributing to curriculum discussions, and engaging students through joint programmes and training activities, this early exposure will help shape our students’ skills, confidence, and readiness to take on future leadership roles.”

Mr Oscar Low, on the other hand, highlighted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to attracting, nurturing and retaining talent in Malaysia, aligning with Talent Houz’s mission, People: The World’s Lifeline, which emphasises that people are central to every organisation’s growth and success. He added that the Academic-Industry Collaboration (AIC) Programme furthers this goal by offering experiential learning through dialogues, panels, workshops and visits, helping students define their career paths while allowing employers to showcase opportunities.

The event was followed by a discussion and networking session, where delegates from UTAR and participating companies shared insights, explored potential collaborative initiatives, and strengthened professional ties.

The MoU signifies a strategic partnership that leverages academic strengths and industry expertise to cultivate a future-ready talent pipeline and support national workforce development.