HELPing transform M’sia into digital powerhouse

Exchange of expertise: (from left) Tang, Prof Chan, Chia and Mobius Group director T.H. Chong at the MoU signing ceremony.

HELP University is partnering with a data science and information technology (IT) training provider to explore opportunities for courses on the Body of Knowledge (BOK) in Data Science and IT, along with the Application of Knowledge (AOK) in specific industries.

The varsity offered its expertise and knowledge in the development of self-instructional materials in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with the Mobius Group. The group offers its expertise and advice in content development of the courses, the learning pathways and training delivery, to develop industry-endorsed micro-credential courses, according to a press release dated April 14.The courses will allow for credit transfer under the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning with Credit (APEL.C) programme, which enables experienced workers to transfer their working experience into credit hours.

According to HELP University vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan, the university has established a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (CIR4.0) to manage the promotion of its data analytics programmes.

Headed by School of Information and Communication Technology head Dr Tang U-Liang of the Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology, the department will spearhead the university’s efforts to provide formal education, training and upskilling to students and the wider public in IR4.0-related skills.

“The centre will also be organising forums and webinars in collaboration with industry partners such as Mobius on research, course development and consultancy. It is vital to work with industry partners to ensure that the programmes fit industry needs, ” he said. Prof Chan added that HELP University has also invested RM25mil in the Business Analytics and Technology Innovation Centre (BATIC) in its Subang 2 campus, which houses facilities to train students and entrepreneurs in big data and live-stock trading. It also serves as a techno-entrepreneurship incubator.

“HELP University is an analytics-driven entrepreneurial university. All students are offered a free Certificate in Big Data and Business Analytics course, a demonstration of HELP’s commitment to ensuring that all students have the knowledge of big data to help them in their future careers, ” he said.

Mobius Group founder Dr Mark Chia said the group aims to help graduates and young professionals find the right data science career path that would give them the edge in their professional development.

“One of Mobius’ missions is building a robust talent pool and delivering industry-ready, employable talents by bridging the gap between academia and industry.

“Collaborative efforts with education institutions such as HELP, government agencies, practitioners and industry players are key, ” he said.

The partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to support the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s initiative in transforming Malaysia into the “Heart of Digital Asean”, a regional digital powerhouse launching global champions to lead the IR4.0.