KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Faculty of Computing, successfully organized the 2u2i Appreciation Night to honor the strong partnerships that have shaped the success of the UTM 2u2i programme, Bachelor of Computer Science (Data Engineering) with Honours. The event brought together 100 participants representing government agencies, industry, universities, and alumni, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the program forward.
Among the strategic partners present were Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), PPG Coatings (M) Sdn. Bhd., DHL Asia Pacific Shared Services Sdn. Bhd., Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Wiwynn Technology Service Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Quandatics (M) Sdn. Bhd. and OR Technologies Sdn. Bhd. who highlighted their dedication to nurturing talent and strengthening workforce readiness. Their involvement underscored the importance of industry collaboration in preparing graduates for the demands of the modern workforce.
The evening featured several key highlights in its agenda. A Letter of UTM Adjunct Professor Appointment was presented to Dato’ Khairil Adri Adnan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DreamEDGE Sdn. Bhd., for the contribution of expertise, industry experience, and valuable professional networks to the academic development and research of the Faculty of Computing. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to all strategic partners, honoring their support and collaboration in advancing the initiative.
In addition, Gold Industry Awards were presented to three outstanding industry partners, acknowledging their active involvement and significant contributions to the success of the program.
During her welcoming speech, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Masitah Ghazali, Faculty of Computing Deputy Dean Academic and Student Affairs, expressed her pride in the achievements of the 2u2i program. She highlighted that the Graduate Employability (GE) rate has consistently reached 100% for three consecutive years — 2021, 2022, and 2023. She further noted that the program was honored with the 2023 UTM Graduate Employability Award in the field of Science and Technology, a recognition of its impact in producing industry‑ready graduates.
Dr. Masitah also emphasized that the percentage of graduates earning premium salaries (PE) increased by 6% in 2023 compared to 2022, underscoring the program’s ability to enhance career prospects. She concluded by affirming that these milestones prove the 2u2i program is a strategic initiative that produces graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also highly skilled and prepared to face the challenges of the modern workforce.
In his officiating speech, Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Mohd Nasir Wan Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, underscored the strategic importance of the 2u2i program as a national initiative. He explained that the program represents a strategic effort by the Government of Malaysia, through the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and is further supported by the MDEC under the Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI) initiative launched in 2016.
The 2u2i program, he noted, serves to unite the academic world with the professional workforce, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled, competitive, and prepared to meet future challenges.
Prof. Wan Mohd Nasir highlighted that the presence of industry partners, alumni, and Adjunct Professors at the event reflects the growing strength of this ecosystem and its significant impact on the nation’s human capital development. He concluded with optimism, expressing confidence that this collaboration will continue to drive greater success, foster innovation, and deliver meaningful contributions to both society and the country.
Industry partners from PPG & DHL APSSC expressed their appreciation for the 2u2i program, emphasizing that the initiative has led to a higher absorption rate of interns into permanent staff positions, reflecting the strong alignment between academic preparation and industry needs. The industry‑infused curriculum was also praised for equipping students with practical skills and workplace readiness, ensuring they can contribute effectively from the very start of their careers.
Alumni testimonies reinforced these points, sharing how the program provided early exposure to industry beginning in their first year of study. This continuous engagement not only enhanced their technical competencies but also built confidence and adaptability in professional settings. Alumni highlighted that the structured collaboration between universities and industry partners gave them a competitive edge, enabling them to secure meaningful employment and progress rapidly in their careers.
In his remarks, Ts. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Tariq Idris, External & Global Engagement (EGE) Manager at the Faculty of Computing and Program Director, emphasized that the 2u2i Appreciation Night was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a platform to look ahead to new opportunities. He highlighted that since its inception in 2018, the initiative has united government, industry, academia, and alumni in fostering innovation and strengthening Malaysia’s workforce for national progress.
Dr. Iqbal noted that the voices of industry and alumni reaffirm the program’s role as a strategic bridge between education and employment, producing graduates who are not only employable but also highly skilled, competitive, and ready to thrive in dynamic, high‑demand sectors.
