IBM Malaysia and the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have announced an academic collaboration to develop what they said would be the ‘next generation of tech-savvy graduates’ through the sharing of skills, best practices and knowledge.

In 2011, APU through IBM’S Academic Initiative began to embed IBM Rational software in their courses. Lecturers and students from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology (FCET) had the opportunity to use IBM Rational to design, develop and test software. The courses also included the model-driven development platform and application design and development with Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform.

According to Professor Ron Edwards, Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU, under the new memorandum of understanding, the university will expand the scope of the curriculum to include IBM technologies in mobile application design and development, cloud computing, analytics and security.

Wong Chiun Chiek, chief financial officer, IBM Malaysia (left) signs MoU with Gurpardeep Singh, Vice President of Operations, APU (right) to establish the academic collaboration between two parties.

As part of the collaboration, lecturers and students who undertake the IBM-related curriculum will be provided with software, courseware, instructor training, teaching topics and professional certification, courtesy of IBM. IBM will also equip APU with current expertise and knowledge in line with the latest IT industry requirements, as well as prepares students to meet future industry requirements.

"The collaboration with Asia Pacific University reinforces IBM’s commitment to develop a future ready workforce to meet the demand for graduates with skills in data analytics, mobile application development and cloud computing,” said the chief financial officer of IBM Malaysia Wong Chiun Chiek. Meanwhile, Professor Ron Edwards said that "The IBM partnership provides yet another opportunity for APU students to connect with industry and prepare for professional life. Expertise in start-of-the-art technology, in particular, enhances their employability and familiarity with professional standards.”

The university has been collaborating with IBM since 2011 on academic initiatives to deliver IBM professional certification courses as additional skills to educate students with industry relevant knowledge. Qualified students are offered internships at IBM or its business partners. 

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