BY LEE CHONGHUI
Idris sharing a light moment with Tanri Abeng University rector Dr Tanri Abeng (left) while Megat Najmudidin, SEGi University vice-chancellor Dr Patrick Kee and Mohamed Azahari look on.
SEGI University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight organisations to launch an initiative to boost employability among graduates by providing financial support, academic programmes, training and talent management.
The initiative dubbed Learning Rebranded is a collaboration between the higher learning institution and Yayasan Sime Darby, Agrobank, Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB), Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), DRB HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia, Kolej Yayasan Pahang (KYP), Tanri Abeng University in Indonesia, and Biocon Sdn Bhd.
Among the key terms agreed to in the MoU are to reward scholarships worth RM1.2mil to outstanding and underprivileged students in the B40 income group by Yayasan Sime Darby, Agrobank and the Malaysia Building Society Bhd.
The partnerships will enable students and industries to exchange expertise in the areas of job opportunities, talent exchange, and research & development of educational learning programmes.
“There is no point for students to spend so much time and resources for education, when they end up jobless after graduating.
“This is why the collaborations are important because it provides employability opportunities to students and allows them develop good relations with potential employers,” he said, adding that they get to experience the real working environment first hand.
Mohamed Azahari also said that apart from academic excellence, employers are also looking for good values in their employees.
“The internship opportunities students get from this partnership can help them be holistic, entrepreneurial and well balanced individuals, who may someday lead this country,” he said.
SEGi International chairman Tan Sri Megat Najimuddin Megat Khas said the move emphasises the importance of building values and skills beyond classroom learning.
“The programmes enables students to gain valuable entrepreneurial and communication skills that are relevant and practical in the working world,” he said.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who witnessed the MoU signing ceremony, said the agreements are in line with the ministry’s efforts to redesign the education system.
“Industry collaborations can ensure that universities and industries understand each other,” he said.
It can also improve research and innovation, as well as boost learning and teaching in universities, he added.