FIRED UP: Google Malaysia marketing manager Denise Gamo (fourth from left) and Sajith Sivanandan (centre) with the representatives from the seven universities that are participating in the Ignite programme.
Google Malaysia announced a training-to-internship pilot programme called Google Ignite that focuses on the development of digital marketing skills on Google platforms for final year university students.
The programme, which involves seven universities – Limkokwing University, Inti International University, Multimedia University, Multimedia University, University of Malaya, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Taylor’s University and Sunway University – kicks off in July and ends in late October.
Google will also place 150 of the highest performing students and graduates with internship positions in some of the largest digital agencies in Malaysia.
Students who don’t secure internships will still be equipped with Google AdWords certification which will make them more desirable to digital agencies and brands, the company said.
According to SME Corp data, there are approximately 700,000 SMEs (small-medium enterprices) in Malaysia, but only a small percentage are taking advantage of online marketing.
“We have data that tells us the number is in fact closer to 1.3 million when we consider the micro and cottage industry SMEs. And with around 21 million Internet users from a population of 30 million, coupled with a smartphone penetration that is well over half of the population, we are a mobile-first, always on and always connected nation”, Sajith added.
“Google Malaysia would love to help move the digital ecosystem forward by helping students jump start their career in digital marketing and at the same time to help grow the pool of digital talent in Malaysia.”
The company is hoping to learn from the pilot programme and make it an annual event, as well as open it to more universities, especially those outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Throughout the duration of the programme, Google will also provide the universities with online learning resources for self-studying and in-university training on Google AdWords in order to certify students and ensure their eligibility for internship opportunities.
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