Management and Science University (MSU) and National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) have formalised a strategic partnership.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing took place before the MSU Global Dialogue Series themed “Creative Industries and Soft Power: Strengthening Malaysia’s Global Influence” at the varsity’s campus in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Present were Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, MSU industry partnership and entrepreneurship senior vice-president Prof Dr Abdul Jalil Ghazali, Finas deputy director-general (management) Datin Rozita Waty Ridzuan and senior management from both organisations.
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration in curriculum development, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, professional training, consultancy, certification and industry engagement, MSU said in a statement.
It also promotes knowledge exchange through student internships, academic and industry expert exchanges, research attachments, co-supervision and the appointment of industry practitioners as adjunct professors and lecturers.
MSU will contribute its research, development and innovation (RDI) expertise through collaborative research, joint publications, exchanges of research materials and scientific presentations, while providing campus facilities to support joint initiatives.
The partnership also creates greater opportunities for students to gain industry exposure and showcase their talents.
Other initiatives include jointly organising film festivals, creative content showcases, industry talks, seminars, conferences and community engagement programmes that promote creativity, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Finas will serve as an Industrial Award contributor during MSU’s convocations through non-financial support and join MSU’s University Industry Advisory Panel, further strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
The partnership reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to nurturing creative talent, advancing Malaysia’s creative economy and strengthening industry–academia collaboration.
The partnership aims to create lasting opportunities for students, educators and creative practitioners, while enhancing employability, supporting sustainable workforce development and reinforcing MSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The signing ceremony was followed by the MSU Global Dialogue Series, which brought together government representatives, academics, industry leaders and students to discuss the role of the creative industries in strengthening Malaysia’s cultural influence, economic competitiveness and global soft power.
It explored emerging industry trends, innovation, digital transformation and the importance of strategic collaboration in building a resilient and globally competitive creative ecosystem.
