UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE Forge Strategic Partnership in Executive Education and Micro-Credentials

UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE Forge Strategic Partnership in Executive Education and Micro-Credentials

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📝 Summary

UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen international academic cooperation in lifelong learning, professional development, and workforce transformation. The partnership aims to develop and deliver Executive Education, Professional Programmes, and Micro-Credentials that respond to industry needs and support lifelong learning. This collaboration will provide flexible, industry-relevant, and future-ready learning pathways for adult learners, working professionals, and industry practitioners.

HONG KONG, Apr 13 – UTMSPACE, the lifelong learning arm of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE), a leading continuing education provider under The University of Hong Kong (HKU). HKU SPACE is widely recognised for its strong role in professional and continuing education, recording nearly 90,000 annual course enrolments, serving more than 23,000 students, and offering almost 1,000 courses across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening international academic cooperation between Malaysia and Hong Kong, particularly in the field of lifelong learning, professional development, and workforce transformation. Through this strategic collaboration, UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE aim to work together in the development and delivery of Executive Education, Professional Programmes, and Micro-Credentials that respond to the changing needs of industries and learners in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Dr. John Cribbin and Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahrizal bin Sunar signing the MoU at HKU SPACE, strengthening strategic collaboration in professional education and lifelong learning.
Dr. John Cribbin (left) and Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahrizal Sunar (right) signing the MoU at HKU SPACE, strengthening strategic Strategic Partnership in Executive Education and Micro Credentials

This partnership is especially significant as the demand for flexible, industry-relevant, and future-ready learning pathways continues to grow. As organisations adapt to digital transformation, technological advancement, and shifting workforce expectations, professionals are increasingly required to upskill and reskill throughout their careers. The collaboration between UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE is therefore aligned with the shared mission of both institutions to promote lifelong learning and provide accessible education opportunities for adult learners, working professionals, and industry practitioners.

Through this partnership, both institutions will explore various collaborative initiatives, including the co-development of executive and professional programmes, joint certification courses, and micro-credential offerings. These programmes are expected to be flexible, stackable, and aligned with industry needs, enabling learners to build competencies progressively while balancing their professional and personal commitments. Such initiatives will provide valuable opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their professional credentials, and remain competitive in the job market.

In addition to programme development, the collaboration will also support knowledge exchange activities such as guest lectures, joint workshops, seminars, and webinars. These activities will create platforms for academics, trainers, industry experts, and learners from both institutions to share insights, experiences, and best practices. The MoU also opens opportunities for potential faculty collaboration, cross-border programme delivery, and the sharing of expertise in areas such as digital learning innovation, curriculum design, and continuing education management.

This partnership reflects the strong commitment of UTMSPACE and HKU SPACE to advancing flexible, accessible, and globally relevant education pathways. It also reinforces the importance of regional and international cooperation in professional and continuing education. By combining their experience, networks, and academic strengths, both institutions are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to lifelong learning, workforce upskilling, and the development of future-ready talent across the region.

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