Future-proofing graduates for tomorrow's digital economy
THE digital economy is driving global transformation by reshaping industries, redefining work and creating opportunities for those with the right skills.
Preparing for the future job market is essential as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionise how we work and create.
Malaysia is advancing into Phase Two of its Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), having surpassed its initial RM70bil digital investment target within a year. Malaysia achieved US$16.9bil (RM74.8bil) in approved digital investments, driven by global tech giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft.
Driving tech-forward education
Digital Tech education is now vital for navigating this digital whirlwind and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is leading the charge with industry-focused programmes to meet the demands of the digital era.
'As one of Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech Institutions, APU is closely aligned with national priorities, offering a curriculum that reflects the demands of today's tech ecosystem,' explained APU'sacademic development and strategy deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Murali Raman.
In today's fast-evolving digital economy, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates need more than just a qualification — they need future-ready skills and resilient career paths.
APU provides a solid foundation aligned with Malaysia's national goals, including MyDIGITAL and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy.
Using SPM, 'O' Level or equivalent qualifications, students can progress to a wide range of internationally recognised degrees at APU in Malaysia via the APU Foundation Programme.
Filling the digital skills gap
APU's information technology (IT) programmes prepare students for high-demand sectors such as cyber security, AI, cloud engineering, IoT, data analytics and digital forensics.
As a notable example, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the urgent need for cyber security experts to safeguard national digital infrastructure.
Malaysia's digital content sector, employing over 10,000 professionals across more than 300 studios, contributes significantly to the gross domestic product. APU is well-placed to meet the growing demand in this field with courses in Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Interactive Media, Game Development, Animation and Visual Effects, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) initiatives.
Building global talent with integrated digital tech skills
Globally, there is a rapidly growing demand for professionals across all subject domain areas who also possess strong digital tech skills.
In this regard, APU's Accounting and Finance programmes — including Forensic Accounting, AccTech and Investment Analytics — strongly integrate financial knowledge with digital skills.
Its specialised programmes in Business Management, Business Analytics, E-Business, Digital Leadership and Digital Marketing nurture talent to drive technology and innovation in both small and medium-sized enterprises and global corporations.
As the tourism and aviation sectors recover, APU prepares students for global careers through programmes in Tourism Management, Hospitality Innovation and Aviation Management.
Socially conscious, tech-savvy graduates
In a world shaped by misinformation and global shifts, APU's Media and Communication Studies and International Relations programmes produce critical thinkers for roles in media, diplomacy and non-profits.
The Cyber Security Talent Zone (CSTZ) is one of the most advanced state-of-the-art facilities at APU.
With a growing global focus on mental health, APU's Psychology programme combines human insight with tech via specialisations like Cyberpsychology. The intersection between digital tech and Psychology is driving the demand for Psychology practitioners with a keen understanding of how technology may be used as a key enabler for their work.
To support national infrastructure, energy and automation needs, APU offers top-tier programmes in Electrical and Electronic, Mechatronic, Mechanical, Computer and Petroleum Engineering.
As urban and smart city development accelerates, APU's Industrial Design and Architecture programmes train students to create sustainable, culturally aware spaces – again integrated with technology as a key enabler.
APU's purpose-built campus with an ultra-modern design is strategically located at MRANTI Park Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Ready for the world
Having the right knowledge and skills leads to better career opportunities, higher earnings and greater confidence.
'Future-proofing one's career is no longer optional — it is essential,' said Prof Murali.
He added, 'Resilient knowledge and capabilities will remain vital and sought after in the years ahead.'
According to the Higher Education Ministry's Graduate Tracer Study, APU graduates are 100% employable – a clear reflection of APU's commitment to developing globally competent professionals.
At the same time, through its partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK, students receive dual awards — separate degree certificates and transcripts from both APU and DMU - enhancing their global employability.
To learn more about APU and its programmes, visit https://www.apu.edu.my/.
This article is provided by Asia Pacific University (APU).
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Daily Express
Benny is new Acem Sabah head
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 Text Size: The new line-up posing for a photo. Kota Kinabalu: Benny Song was elected new Chairman of Malaysia Association of Consulting Engineers (Acem Sabah) succeeding Datuk Chin Shu Ying. The new committee includes Wah Kheng Haw as Deputy Chairman and Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh as Honorary Secretary. Advertisement The new leadership team also includes seasoned professionals from various engineering disciplines such as Kenny Lo (Honorary Treasurer), while the executive committee comprises Tang Koh Yon, Mohd. Arzahri AR, Hiew Vun Heng, Silvia Voon and James Leong. In his farewell address, Chin spoke about the consulting engineering sector, identifying eight major issues threatening the profession's future. 'Consulting engineers play an important role in shaping Malaysia's infrastructure, economy and future. 'However, we face unprecedented challenges that require immediate attention,' he said. The most pressing concern, according to Chin, is fee undercutting that undermines professional standards. Advertisement 'Unfair competition is eroding the integrity and quality of our work,' he said. The industry is also grappling with a talent crisis, as experienced engineers leave for better opportunities abroad while universities struggle to produce job-ready graduates. This brain drain coincides with bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay project approvals and increase costs. Rising legal liability represents another significant challenge, with engineers facing increasingly unfavourable contract terms. Chin advocated for mandatory professional indemnity insurance and fairer agreements between consultants and clients. The sector's slow adoption of modern technology also emerged as a key concern. 'We must embrace artificial intelligence, Building Information Modeling, Internet of Things and other digital tools to remain competitive,' he said. Environmental pressures are mounting as well, with engineers expected to lead Malaysia's transition toward sustainable development and carbon reduction while addressing climate change impacts. Perhaps most critically, Chin said was the profession's limited influence in national policymaking despite engineers' crucial role in development planning. He called for greater representation in government decision-making processes. 'We suffer from fragmentation and lack of collaboration,' he said, urging stronger partnerships between firms and enhanced knowledge-sharing across the industry. He challenged his successors and the broader engineering community to unite in upholding the dignity of the profession, champion value-based practices, mentor the next generation and embrace innovation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
APU's Secure Path AGV achieves highest accolades in Brussels
FINAL-YEAR engineering undergraduates Chong Chan Heng, Goh Chuk Fun, Pang Cheng Hsiang and Samantha Koay Yenn Xian – known as the Fantastic 4.0 from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Centre for Research and Development of IoT (CREDIT) – have made history with their efforts to engineer an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) with purpose. These bright young engineers won the Platinum Medal Award at the virtual Eureka International Brussels Invention and Innovation Competition 2025, held in Belgium from April 6 to 7. Their innovation, the 'SecurePath AGV', is a highly intelligent AGV designed to improve safety and emergency response capabilities. Combining artificial intelligence (AI) with sophisticated robotics, a custom LLM chatbot, computer vision for detection, and a navigation system, the SecurePath AGV offers practical social engineering solutions that can be deployed in any environment. Representing the Fantastic 4.0, Chong explained that the key to clinching the win lay in the complexity of the innovation's application, the clarity with which the team illustrated its real-world impact, and the strength of their system architecture presentation during the judging session. 'We did face a few hurdles – tight deadlines for getting everything completed, stiff competition from the highly talented international teams, and the need to technically present the product's complexity to a panel of international judges within a limited time,' he shared. Through this competition, the team learnt how to pitch complex engineering ideas in a way that is both clear and convincing, highlight key points of innovation and practicality, and accept constructive criticism. 'We also got to see a lot of cutting-edge ideas from other international participants, which really broadened our understanding of what's trending in tech innovation worldwide. 'It was exciting. It was a fantastic experience to showcase our project on an international stage, meet other innovators and swap ideas across different fields,' Chong said, adding that the competition added value to their studies at APU. 'It has helped us put the technical knowledge we have gained on campus to good use in a real-world context, sharpened our critical thinking and presentation skills, and given us a real boost of confidence for tackling future engineering challenges,' he said. Beyond the Platinum Medal, the team also secured three additional special awards: one from Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. 'The Inventors Circle' (Toronto, Canada), another from the Turkish Inventors Association, and a third from the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest. According to APU chief innovation and enterprise officer Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, this recognition reaffirms APU's commitment to nurturing talent into innovators who address complex social challenges by bridging computational and engineering skills. He explained that these APU students have shown just how well Malaysian universities can compete and excel on the global stage. 'The SecurePath AGV is not your ordinary robot. Infused with AI, it was built on the robust SCUTTLE robotic platform with a sturdy aluminium frame. 'It uses SLAM navigation for independent patrolling, machine vision to spot falls and recognise faces, an LLM-powered chatbot for natural chat, and an automated emergency dispensing system to provide medical supplies as required in various environments,' he said. CREDIT head Assistant Prof Narendran Ramasenderan, who mentored the students alongside Krishna Ravinchandra, congratulated the Fantastic 4.0 on their success. Narendran said the SecurePath AGV was the result of months of hard graft, technical brilliance and innovative thinking. 'These students have proven that APU's hands-on, project-based learning approach produces graduates who are ready to take on global challenges,' he said. CREDIT has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge IoT solutions across various industries, and this latest award adds to the centre's growing list of international accolades, solidifying APU's reputation as a technological innovation hub in Malaysia and the Asean region. The team's multi-award-winning rover can independently navigate busy retail spaces, identify emergency situations, chat with people via voice or text, and provide immediate access to medical supplies through cleverly designed servo-controlled compartments. For APU, this international recognition highlights the university's successful approach to education – one that emphasises the practical application of classroom learning alongside the development of high-level industry skills to prepare graduates for the real world.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Why squeeze high Petronas dividend amid profit slump, Hamzah asks
Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin said a looming 10% jobs cut in Petronas could have been avoided if the government had adjusted the dividend amount. PETALING JAYA : Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has questioned the government's move to collect RM32 billion in dividends from Petronas, despite the company reporting a sharp decline in profits this year. Hamzah said the dividend payout for 2025 matches that of the previous year, even though Petronas recorded a 32% drop in profits in 2024, after a 21% decline in 2023. He said maintaining such a high payout raises questions about the government's fiscal priorities, especially as more than 5,000 Petronas employees (about 10% of its workforce) are expected to lose their jobs in a restructuring exercise. 'The government must clearly explain the rationale behind maintaining the RM32 billion dividend without taking into account Petronas's profit slump and the welfare of its employees. The rakyat deserves to know, is this what the government considers fair fiscal management?' he said in a statement. Hamzah said the layoffs could have been avoided if the government had adjusted the dividend amount in line with Petronas's financial performance, rather than pushing the company to deliver the same amount. Yesterday, Petronas announced plans to reduce its workforce and freeze hiring until December 2026 as part of a restructuring aimed at cutting costs amid falling crude prices. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said most of those affected by the retrenchment are contract workers. In February, finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said that Petronas's commitment to paying RM32 billion in dividends to the government remained unchanged. However, he said that the payout would depend on Petronas's financial performance and the outlook of the oil market. Separately, Bersatu vice-president Radzi Jidin reminded the government that the loss of jobs, whether of permanent staff or contract staff, would leave a big impact on them and their families. 'Humanity must always be at the heart of our actions,' Radzi said in a Facebook post.
