JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 29 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), has marked a major milestone by signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIDB Technologies Sdn. Bhd., a leading training entity of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. The exchange ceremony was held in conjunction with UTM Premium Career Festival (UTMPearl) 2025, a flagship event organised by the UTM Career Centre (UTMCC), successfully held as a platform to bridge students, graduates, industry partners, and academic institutions. The event showcased a wide array of career opportunities, industrial exhibitions, talent development sessions, and strategic networking activities.
During the event, Hafiz Dasahi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and representative of CIDB Technologies Sdn. Bhd. exchanged MoU with Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), witnessed by YB Tuan Aznan Tamin, Chairman of the Johor State Education and Information Committee; Prof. Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, Dean of FEST; and Director of UTMCC, Dr. Suhaila Mohamad Yusuf.
This collaboration was firstly initiated by the Department of Advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) after several activities conducted between the department and CIDB Technologies Sdn. Bhd. The partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia, especially in aligning higher education with industry-driven upskilling and professional development initiatives. Through this collaboration, FEST further solidifies its position as a frontrunner among TVET education providers in the country.
The collaboration also acts as a catalyst for innovation in TVET pedagogy, curriculum, and workforce readiness, aiming to empower future skilled workforce development. It is a joint commitment to shape the next generation of skilled professionals who are industry-ready, ethically grounded, and technologically competent. Four key pillart of collaboration includes expertise and knowledge sharing, industry-responsive curriculum development, professional upskilling and training, as well as graduate employability and career pathways.
This partnership complements UTM’s vision to bridge academia and industry in producing highly skilled talent, on par with premier national TVET institutions like ILPs, polytechnics, and GIATMARA. It also represents a forward-looking approach to education that aligns with Malaysia’s national agenda for Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), sustainability, and workforce empowerment. It underscores FEST’s unwavering commitment to driving excellence in TVET through strategic, high-impact partnerships.