UTM and The Access Group Malaysia forge strategic partnership

Muhammad Iqbal Tariq Idris

📝 Summary

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has formed a strategic partnership with The Access Group Malaysia to support talent development, knowledge transfer, and the development of future-ready digital professionals. The partnership aims to improve graduate employability, encourage research collaboration, and promote innovation. The collaboration is aligned with UTM’s ASCEND 2030 initiative and is expected to contribute to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its industry collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Access Group Malaysia to support talent development, knowledge and technology transfer, and the development of future-ready digital professionals.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Kuala Lumpur, marked a step towards closer collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership aims to improve graduate employability, encourage research collaboration, promote innovation and provide students with greater exposure to real-world industry practices.

Representatives from UTM and Access commemorating the exchange of partnership documents following a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing talent development, graduate employability, industry engagement, and knowledge exchange

Representing UTM at the ceremony was Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Dr. Azlan Mohd Zain, while The Access Group Malaysia was represented by its Managing Director, Lim Chee Gay. Representatives from both organisations attended the event, reflecting their shared commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital talent ecosystem.

Prof. Dr. Azlan Mohd Zain, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, UTM, delivering an overview of UTM’s strategic aspirations and collaborative initiatives during the engagement session with industry partners

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Azlan Mohd Zain said strong industry partnerships were essential to preparing graduates who were academically competent and equipped with practical skills, a global mindset and relevant industry exposure.

“This collaboration with The Access Group Malaysia represents our shared vision of nurturing future talent and contributing to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.

Lim Chee Gay said the collaboration was an important step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry.

“We are pleased to partner with UTM in developing the next generation of digital talent. By combining academic excellence with industry expertise, we can create meaningful opportunities for students, support innovation, and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy,” he said.

Lim Chee Gay, Managing Director of The Access Group Malaysia, delivering the opening remarks and reaffirming the company’s commitment to fostering strategic collaboration with academia to develop future-ready digital talent

Among the initiatives being considered under the collaboration is the proposed appointment of Lim Chee Gay as an Adjunct Professor at UTM. The proposed appointment is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage collaborative initiatives and provide students and faculty members with access to industry expertise, leadership insights and real-world perspectives in the digital sector.

UTM and The Access Group Malaysia are also exploring the establishment of a scholarship programme to support deserving B40 students pursuing their studies at UTM. The proposed initiative reflects both organisations’ commitment to widening access to higher education and promoting educational inclusivity. It is intended to help talented students pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the nation’s future workforce.

Then Sik Kwang, ES Director of The Access Group Malaysia, presenting The Access Story and sharing the organisation’s growth journey, core values, and commitment to creating positive impact through innovation, people development, and sustainable business practices.

Omid, Web Experience Manager at The Access Group Malaysia and a proud UTM alumnus, shared his professional journey from university to industry, offering valuable insights on career growth, continuous learning, and succeeding in the digital workforce

Participants were given an exclusive tour of The Access Group Malaysia’s workplace, providing firsthand exposure to the company’s collaborative environment, modern facilities, and employee-centric culture that support innovation and business excellence

The collaboration is aligned with UTM ASCEND 2030, particularly its focus on talent excellence, industry engagement and graduate employability. By combining the strengths of academia and industry, the partnership aims to support innovation, knowledge creation and sustainable societal development, while contributing to Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading digital economy in the region.

The MoU establishes a foundation for further collaboration between UTM and The Access Group Malaysia in talent development, industry-driven learning, research, innovation and community empowerment. Both organisations aim to develop opportunities that benefit students, industry and society, and contribute to a skilled and future-ready digital workforce.