Universiti Malaya (UM), through its Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, will officially sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with The Center of Applied Data Science (CADS), signaling a landmark collaboration to fortify their shared goal of spurring the nation's workforce transformation with essential data literacy and in demand data-driven practices.
This strategic collaboration between UM and CADS is poised to redefine the educational and industrial landscape, spurring a data-driven revolution in the country within the burgeoning field of Data Science. The signing of the MoU & MoA, witnessed by Aadrin Azly, Vice President of Group Technology and Commercialization at PETRONAS, symbolizes a commitment to nurturing a resilient and future-ready workforce.
As technology continues its relentless advancement, the demand for skilled professionals in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related domains is experiencing an unprecedented surge on a global scale. Professionals proficient in analysing, interpreting, and deriving valuable insights from data have become indispensable assets for any modern organization.
In alignment with Universiti Malaya's vision of "A global university impacting the world," and its tagline "Serving the Nation, Impacting the World," UM has gained international acclaim, consistently ranked amongst the top globally and the top university in Malaysia. This partnership signifies a commitment to continuous learning and upskilling, minimizing skill gaps prevalent in the industry and community.
Under this transformative alliance, UM and CADS will collaboratively develop dynamic academic programs and data literacy learning modules, meticulously designed based on the evolving realm of data science and data-driven global practices. These programs will serve both the technical and non-technical aspects of modern business requirements.
Leveraging the capabilities of CADS.AI Skills Intelligence Platform™, an AI-powered, skills assessment and learning placement platform, the collaboration will offer advanced courses and automated skills growth tracking to UM students, providing invaluable hands-on industry experience. This initiative elevates the collaboration to the next level, where academia meets AI's data-driven cutting-edge technology.
This partnership comes on the heels of CADS introducing the region’s first Responsible AI Skill Certificate and being named a 'Cool Vendor' by Gartner Inc., a leading global analyst firm, in its recent report, highlighting the CADS’s innovative approach and impact in the field.
"The partnership with UM exemplifies our dedication to nurturing talent and future-proofing organizations by enhancing data and AI literacy, and empowering analytics for hiring. Together with UM, we aim to elevate the workforce, preparing them for a data-driven era," emphasized Sharala Axryd, Founder and CEO at CADS, commenting ahead of the signing ceremony.
The collaboration not only aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry but also encompasses revenue-sharing opportunities through training and certification programs, paving the way for mutual growth. Additionally, CADS will serve as an expert panel, providing insights and guidance to UM for student-related activities requiring expert consultation.
Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Professor Dr. Loo Chu Kiong, highlighted the timeliness of this collaboration, particularly amidst the escalating demand for Data Science graduates and related academic programs. This collaboration positions Malaysia on a trajectory toward digitalization and high-income nation status.
Associate Professor Dr. Sri Devi Ravana, a key initiator of this collaboration, underscores its critical timeliness and strategic importance. "In today's rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration between academia and industry players like CADS is crucial. It allows for a highly qualified workforce and cutting-edge research, pushing boundaries forward and benefiting both sectors and the nation as a whole."
UM and CADS are enthusiastic about this strategic partnership and the transformative potential it holds for academia, industry, and community. The MoU signing ceremony marks the commencement of an impactful collaboration aimed at nurturing human capital capable of thriving in a digital economy.