KUCHING: Sarawak Skills and IMSEA Education (M) Sdn Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop training programmes under the Alibaba Group ecosystem, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), digital commerce and cross-border e-commerce.
The move is aimed at strengthening industry-linked education and preparing a more future-ready digital workforce as demand for such skills continues to grow.
The agreement was formalised here and witnessed by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain.
Sarawak Skills’ Executive Director, Hallman Sabri, and IMSEA Education (M) Sdn Bhd’s Director, Professor Wallace Wong Shung Hui, signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations.
Hallman said the collaboration was about making sure training is not just classroom-based, but actually reflects what is happening in the industry.
“This collaboration bridges education and industry within a global digital ecosystem,” he added.
He stressed that exposure to platforms like Alibaba would give learners a better sense of how digital commerce works in practice, not just in theory.
Hallman said the partnership is a forward-looking initiative aimed at bridging education and industry within a globally influential digital ecosystem.
“By leveraging the Alibaba platform and expertise, we are opening doors for learners to gain exposure to real-world digital commerce practices at a global scale,” he said.
He added that the collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of digital professionals and entrepreneurs capable of competing in the international marketplace, particularly in cross-border e-commerce.
The partnership will involve co-developing training programmes, industry certifications and knowledge-sharing initiatives incorporating current practices in AI and digital trade.
Participants are also expected to gain access to global platforms, industry mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to equip learners with relevant skills while positioning Sarawak as a hub for digital innovation and talent development.
The programme will see both parties working together on training modules, industry certifications and knowledge-sharing in areas such as AI, digital commerce and cross-border trade.
It will also open up access to global platforms and mentorship, giving participants more hands-on exposure to the digital economy.
Wong said the collaboration would help students and trainees get closer to real industry expectations in fast-changing digital fields.
“We are pleased to collaborate on initiatives that integrate industry expertise with education in AI and digital commerce,” he added.
“Partnerships like this would help ensure training remains relevant as the digital landscape evolves.”
Also present at the signing were PUTE Education Group Chairman and Alibaba Digital Commerce Industry College Dean, Feng Diyang; Sarawak Skills’ Chief Strategy Officer, Mohamad Isham Fauzi; and IMSEA Education (M) Sdn Bhd’s Manager, Celine Tay Jing Ying.
