Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s premier university, to jointly build up the next generation of industry-ready graduates.
The agreement was signed by Eugene Quah, Country President of Schneider Electric Malaysia, and Dato’ Seri Professor Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice Chancellor of UM. The MoU aims to enhance student employability and foster professional growth through knowledge sharing and real-world industry engagement, aligning academic excellence with industry needs.
This collaboration comes at a critical time as educational institutions and the private sector are actively forging partnerships to bridge this talent gap and support Malaysia’s digital and sustainable growth agenda, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to address Malaysia’s shortage of 10,000 engineers and AI experts.
Eugene Quah, Country President for Malaysia of Schneider Electric, said, " At Schneider Electric, we see the importance of nurturing future leaders in the industry who will drive the sustainability mission forward. By partnering with UM and investing in the next generation, we are playing a role in laying the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and energy-efficient future. This partnership reflects our shared commitment with UM to build a pipeline of talent that will lead the charge toward a more sustainable Malaysia."
Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, said, “As Malaysia’s leading institution of higher learning, we believe that meaningful industry engagement is essential to preparing our students for the future. This partnership with Schneider Electric allows us to bring the classroom closer to the real world, ensuring our graduates are not only academically excellent but also professionally agile. Together with Schneider Electric, we are shaping a generation that is not only career-ready but also purpose-driven.”
Under this two-year agreement, Schneider Electric and UM will jointly roll out a series of initiatives, including student talent recruitment, research collaborations, and capacity building in energy-efficient built environments.
The collaboration focus includes:
1. Student Talent Recruitment: Schneider Electric will provide UM students with industry exposure through programs such as the Schneider Internship Program, Schneider Graduate Program Schneider Global Student Experience, and the Schneider Go Green competition. The agreement will provide potential pathways for students to explore employment opportunities with Schneider Electric, which has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year in 2025.
2. Research Collaborations: UM will facilitate joint research activities that address real-world challenges in energy management, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. Additionally, the partnership further collaboration by leveraging the university’s expertise in the built environment to advance Malaysia’s green infrastructure goals.
3. Capacity Building in Energy-Efficient Built Environments: Schneider Electric and UM will promote knowledge exchange and skill development in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and green technologies.
“This strategic alliance represents a powerful synergy between academia and industry, where UM brings academic excellence and a vibrant student community, while Schneider Electric contributes global expertise and real-world innovation. It is a collaboration grounded in shared values and a common vision: to empower future leaders, advance sustainable innovation, and drive meaningful impact for Malaysia,” Eugene added.
This partnership builds on Schneider Electric’s long-standing commitment to education and talent development. The company has previously collaborated with leading universities across Malaysia, including INTI International University & Colleges and Curtin University Malaysia, to support academic excellence and workforce readiness, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.