UTAR and Sin Chew Business Academy sign MoU to advance industry-aligned training and community development

UTAR and Sin Chew Business Academy (SCBA) formalised a strategic collaboration through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 9 December 2025, marking a new chapter of partnership focused on industry-aligned training and community capacity building. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Culture Hall, Sin Chew Daily Headquarters, Petaling Jaya.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Mr Khoo Kar Khoon, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (Malaysia) of Media Chinese International Limited (MCIL), on behalf of SCBA. Also present at the ceremony were Mr Eugene Wong, MCIL Executive Director and Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer; Mr Yeoh Yee Soon, MCIL Group Senior General Manager (HQ Business); and Ms Lim Guat Yen, Director of UTAR’s Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD).

In his address, Prof Dato’ Ewe said the MoU reflects the shared commitment of UTAR and SCBA to expanding learning opportunities for the community and strengthening the link between education and industry needs. He emphasised that meaningful education goes beyond traditional classrooms and is most impactful when it actively engages industry partners who understand real-world demands.

“By joining forces, we are creating pathways that will equip learners with practical skills and relevant knowledge to thrive in today’s fast-changing environment,” he said, adding that the collaboration underscores a shared vision to empower professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members with skills that are relevant and applicable in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Under the MoU, UTAR’s CCCD will take the lead in developing and delivering a series of high-quality training programmes. CCCD will curate programme content, provide qualified trainers, and issue certificates to participants upon completion. Drawing on UTAR’s expertise in professional training and capacity building, the programmes will be designed to meet current industry expectations and community needs.

Sin Chew Business Academy will support the collaboration by promoting the programmes and coordinating the organisation of each session to ensure effective outreach and engagement with the intended audience. By combining academic expertise with industry networks and insights, both parties aim to ensure that the training offerings remain practical, up-to-date, and beneficial to participants seeking to upgrade skills, explore new opportunities, or navigate workplace challenges.

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes, noting that the collaboration is envisioned as a platform for continuous learning, innovation, and community enrichment. He also conveyed UTAR’s appreciation to Sin Chew Business Academy for the partnership and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to a productive collaboration that contributes positively to Malaysia’s human capital development.