TAR UC-FMM to produce industry-ready grads

Inked: Yeoh (6th from left) and Prof Lee (4th from right) showing off the MoU documents. Looking on are Liow (9th from left), Soh (8th from left), TAR UC senior officials and FMM representatives.

TO encourage academia-industry collaboration, provide a platform for high-impact activities and nurture industry-ready talents, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) has recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

Under the MoU dated June 15, both parties will undertake industry engagement in core academia activities, including curriculum development, programme enhancement and dynamic teaching and learning; participate in research and development and innovation projects; conduct joint activities such as training, workshops, seminars and conferences; and facilitate industry linkages for students and lecturers to enhance their knowledge and exposure to real industry working environment.

The MoU was signed by TAR UC president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei and FMM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Yeoh Oon Tean.

Present at the ceremony were TAR UC board of governors chairman Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai and FMM president Tan Sri Datuk Soh Thian Lai.

TAR UC, said Liow, would continue to collaborate with industry to offer its support and facilities in producing high-quality graduates to fulfil the demand for talents from various disciplines.

Describing the collaboration as timely and in line with TAR UC’s “Beyond Education” learning philosophy, Prof Lee said it would future-proof its students and prepare them for the working world.

Universities, said Soh, must create a symbiotic relationship with industry players.

“Academics must collaborate with industry to creatively identify industry needs if we are to narrow the skills gap.

“Find common ground to meet each other’s needs and create a sustainable win-win situation for all.”