MOU BETWEEN UUM AND MAYBANK PROVIDES POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
UUM ONLINE: A strategic collaboration between Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) is anticipated to have positive implications in the field of higher education in the country, particularly at UUM, with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, the collaboration established through the signing of the MoU between UUM and Maybank is expected to facilitate the development, advancement, and transformation of the country. This collaboration is expected to bring about positive implications for both parties such as knowledge transfer, talent development, economic growth, and innovation cultivation.
He further reiterated that among the positive implications of this collaboration with regard to knowledge transfer is that the university will contribute research discoveries, theoretical frameworks, and academic expertise, while the industry is anticipated to bring practical insights, market trends, and industry-specific knowledge.
"In terms of talent development, the industry has now expanded its opportunities by offering industrial training programmes that enables students to gain hands-on experience and work in a real-life setting. This approach facilitates the cultivation of industry-related skills and enhances students' employability.
"This strategic collaboration also contributes to economic growth and fosters innovation, where universities and industries work together to commercialise research findings, develop new products and services, and contribute to job creation," he said.
According to Prof. Dr. Mohd Foad, the signing of this MoU marks an important achievement for UUM in its efforts to strengthen strategic alliances with industries and universities. This achievement is aligned with one of the key agendas of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan.
Furthermore, he stated that it is also a crucial component of a significant Key Performance Indicator (KPI) stated in Core 3 of the Strategic Plan of the University. The University-Industry Cooperation Centre (CUIC) serves as the main channel for preserving relations between the university, industry, and community.
The MoU between UUM and Maybank was signed by Dr. Mohd Foad, while Maybank was represented by the Group Chief Human Capital Officer, Datuk Nora Abd Manaf, witnessed by the Director of CUIC, Prof. Dr. Chandrakantan Subramaniam and the Head of the Group Resourcing Centre, Mdm. Marlin Ahmad Nordin at the Postgraduate Studio, OYAGSB.
Meanwhile, Datuk Nora expressed appreciation for the willingness of UUM to provide Maybank with the opportunity to continue such a meaningful collaboration.
"This demonstrates Maybank's commitment to strengthening collaboration with UUM, particularly by playing an important role in our country and ecosystem.
"At Maybank, we always strive to ensure the employability of young talents meet industry needs by implementing various programmes and initiatives, such as the Maybank Go Ahead Challenge (MGAC), Maybank Young Bankers Internship Programme (MYBIP), and sharing best organisational practices,” she said.
During the ceremony, a letter of appointment was also presented to Dato' Nora conferring upon her the designation of Adjunct Professor of the School of Business Management (SBM).