Inked: Representatives from Hilton, INTI International University & Colleges; Taylors University, and UOW Malaysia KDU pose for a photo at the MoU signing ceremony.
STUDENTS and staff at INTI International University & Colleges (INTI) can soon experience being part of University of Fortaleza (Unifor), Brazil, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to promote cooperation between both institutions.
The activities include mobility student exchange programmes, faculty exchange programmes, academic funding and visiting scholar programmes, and curriculum mapping, design, and development, in addition to study abroad opportunities in Malaysia, and academic progression, placement and enrolment for various programmes at INTI for students and staff at Unifor.
Representing INTI at the virtual ceremony on April 6 was its chief executive officer Chong Kok Wai, while present on Unifor’s behalf was its president Prof Dr Randal Martins Pompeu.
Unifor, founded in 1973, is located in the coastal city of Fortaleza and ranks as one of the top universities for education and science programmes in Brazil. It has over 120 higher education programmes and has collaborations with 26 countries.
Chong said the newly inked partnership will greatly benefit both institutions, with students, faculty and staff having opportunities to exchange knowledge and expand their worldviews.
Unifor, said Prof Pompeu, has partners in China and South Korea but the MoA with INTI is important as it would open other doors to Asia and allow its students to explore Malaysia.
He also expressed interest in implementing a collaborative double degree programme with INTI.
Early this year, INTI partnered with Hilton International Asia Pacific to forge a long-term collaboration on initiatives such as the Hilton Talent Ambassador Programme, boot camps, the INTI Working Professionals Programme, and job and internship placements. Under the Hilton-INTI Strategic Partnership Programme, the institution’s hospitality and culinary arts students can look forward to getting a boost in their career path and employment opportunities in top hospitality organisations.
The Hilton Talent Ambassador Programme is tailored to equip students with the skills needed by the industry through a one-year contract at one of Hilton’s properties in Malaysia and the chance to apply for a full-time position upon completion.
With INTI’s emphasis on bringing industry to the classroom and ensuring students are prepared for the workforce, the partnership will allow students to put theory into practice with real-life working experiences, said a press release from the university.
Inking the memorandum of understanding for the collaboration were Chong, and Hilton Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka regional general manager Jamie Mead, and director of human resources Shamala Krishnan.
Chong said the collaboration will allow students to gain practical experience, useful knowledge, and familiarity with industry demands and expectations after graduation.
“We hope these initiatives will help students become more confident and ready to adapt to the working environment of international hotels,” he said.
