KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is reinforcing its role in higher education by enhancing strategic collaborations with industry partners to better prepare its graduates for the demands of the global workforce.
According to its Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Seri Zarinah Anwar these efforts align with the MADANI Economic Framework, which aims to position Malaysia among the top economies in Asia.
She added that such initiatives are also crucial in achieving the national aspiration of placing Malaysia within the top 25 of the United Nations Human Development Index.
“This direction will ensure our education system becomes increasingly driven by labour market demands, which calls for stronger collaboration between institutions of higher learning and industry players,” she said during the first session of its convocation held at Dewan Jubli, UiTM Sarawak, Samarahan Campus, yesterday (June 10).
Zarinah emphasised that industry engagement must be continuously enhanced to ensure UiTM graduates remain highly sought after by employers.
Among the key initiatives already in place are the academic mobility programme with the University of Social and Medical Science in Lublin, Poland; the World of Work: Pre-Employment Bootcamp in collaboration with PERKESO Sarawak; and The SEHebat Ideathon 2025 – UiTM Samarahan Edition, jointly organised with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
“These partnerships provide our graduates with valuable exposure and practical preparation as they transition into their careers,” she said.
Zarinah reaffirmed UiTM’s ongoing commitment to producing skilled professionals and competitive bumiputera entrepreneurs capable of thriving on the global stage.
“We place great emphasis on ensuring the learning experience and course quality at UiTM remain aligned with current industry needs.
“For example, academic programmes under the Faculty of Business and Management have received accreditations from esteemed professional bodies such as the Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI), the Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM),” she said.
On the evolving global landscape, she highlighted the need for a creative, adaptable and digitally capable workforce.
“I hope our graduates will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to make meaningful contributions to society and generate innovative ideas that will enhance the quality of life,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony were UiTM Sarawak Rector Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, Deputy Rector of Academic and International Affairs Associate Professor Ts ChM Dr Mohammad Isa Mohamadin, Deputy Rector of Student Affairs Associate Professor Dr Saimi Bujang, Deputy Rector of Research and Industry Linkages Professor Ir Dr Juferi Idris, Assistant Rector of UiTM Samarahan 2 Campus Associate Professor Dr Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir and Assistant Rector of Mukah Campus Dr Abdul Jabbar Abdullah.
