A one-stop aviation and hospitality centre in Malaysia recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Premier Digital Tech Institution, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), as part of its efforts to future-proof and instil digital readiness within the workforce of its parent company. This is in line with global trends where new technologies are changing work and labour patterns that will significantly change employees’ core skills.
The partnership seeks to identify and implement upskilling initiatives for the firm’s employees to stay on top of emerging technology trends that can be applied to further improve its airlines and non-airlines services, particularly in areas of security, fuel efficiency, flight planning and customer experience among others.
This collaboration between both parties was formalised by the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian hospitality centre; and the Chief Executive Officer, APU at APU’s campus, Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian hospitality centre commented that in conjunction with APU, the company will continue to heighten their efforts in building a robust talent ecosystem and enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce, especially in the aviation industry, aligned with the national agenda to enhance digitalisation, improve digital infrastructure, and build a more trusted and secure digital environment.
Concurring, the Chief Executive Officer of APU stated that is an interesting programme and that the collaboration is a starting point to sharpen hired hands through micro-credentialing that can be accepted as credits for an academic degree, even up to a master’ level.
He added that the collaboration will also allow APU’s students and staff the possibility of applying their skills and knowledge in technology and innovation, by working on joint research projects with MAB Academy.
It is hoped that this relationship continues to reinforce APU’s status as a Premier Digital Technology University as endorsed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Moving ahead, the two will include micro-credential offerings – such as Leading Digital Business Transformation, Digital Strategy & Analytics, Digital Marketing, Digital Finance, Digital Thinking & Innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual/Augmented Reality (AR/VR), Security & Forensic Tech, Data Management – between the various tech-focused courses held, such as Professional Certificate in Digital Leadership, and Professional Certificate in Digital Technology.
At the same time, this valuable collaborative tie will also benefit graduating students from APU through opportunities for job placement at the hospitality centre.
Upskilling Malaysians
As the world continues to grow increasingly digitalised, Malaysia is working to ensure that its citizens are equipped with the digital skills they will need to thrive in the digital economy.
For example, Upskill Malaysia is a national ‘single window’ digital platform that provides comprehensive information on all training and skills development programmes offered by the Government of Malaysia through its ministries and agencies.
Open to all Malaysians, this integrated online platform was created to provide an ecosystem that nurtures continuous skills enhancement and promotes lifelong learning for Malaysian talents.
The objectives of the Reskilling & Upskilling Program are:
- Assist Malaysians in finding relevant training courses to enhance their skills and knowledge while improving their marketability.
- Improve competitiveness and employability for job seekers while preparing them for long term career success in in-demand industries
- Manage and monitor all upskilling, reskilling and multi-skilling programmes offered by government ministries and agencies in a centralised, structured, and cohesive manner.
