A significant collaboration has emerged in Malaysia’s education landscape, as Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology backbone of Alibaba Group, has partnered with Universiti Malaya (UM) to equip students and educators with the latest advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of digital leaders in Malaysia, propelling the nation towards a thriving digital future.
Through this alliance, UM students and educators will be immersed in a comprehensive learning experience designed to deepen their understanding of cloud technologies. This includes access to the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Program (AAEP), which offers a diverse range of online and offline training opportunities. Students can participate in cutting-edge technology workshops, comprehensive training sessions, and pursue various certification courses to solidify their cloud computing expertise.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Alibaba Cloud Academy Skills Centre at UM provides a dedicated hub for fostering digital knowledge. This on-campus center serves as a platform for interactive training sessions, workshops, and bootcamps covering a wide spectrum of cloud technology topics, ranging from the intricacies of AI to the fundamentals of database management and elastic computing. This ensures that participants receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with a versatile skillset for the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Adding another dimension to this partnership is the launch of the “Future Star” internship program. This novel initiative, the first of its kind for Alibaba Cloud in Malaysia, offers a dynamic platform for UM students to gain invaluable real-world experience. The program provides a unique blend of comprehensive training, practical exposure, and exclusive mentorship that spans a period of three to six months. This is meticulously structured to offer students a holistic understanding of various roles within Alibaba Cloud, preparing them to confidently contribute to the cloud computing industry in the digital era.
Sean Yuan, Regional General Manager of Indonesia and Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Fostering a digital future requires a proactive approach that supports individuals and organizations at the forefront of digitalization. This aligns perfectly with our continuous commitment and investment in nurturing the digital talents in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome Universiti Malaya as a valued partner in the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Program (AAEP), as well as for the Alibaba Cloud Skills Centre and our first internship program in Malaysia. We welcome UM’s forward-thinking initiatives and unwavering commitment to empowering learners and educators with the necessary tools and skills. We firmly believe that through this partnership, they will be better positioned to gain digital insights and seize a multitude of opportunities in an increasingly digitalized world.”
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of Universiti Malaya, acknowledged the pivotal role of technology in driving Malaysia’s economic growth and advancement. He stated, “Since the outset, we have recognized that technology plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and advancement in Malaysia. Consequently, all our programs, including forthcoming initiatives, are firmly rooted in technology. We have consistently provided our educators and students with the necessary digital tools to stay at the forefront of these advancements. The integration of AAEP into our teaching curriculum is a testament to our commitment, as it will bolster our existing programs and contribute to the development of graduates and professionals poised to lead digital growth in their respective fields.”
The AAEP program is a global initiative by Alibaba Cloud designed to empower schools and students by granting them access to a wealth of cloud computing learning resources. This program focuses on nurturing future talent in the critical areas of cloud computing, data intelligence, and cloud security. AAEP directly collaborates with accredited universities and other educational institutions to equip educators, students, and researchers with the necessary resources and tools to thrive in the digital age.
This recently established partnership serves as yet another testament to Alibaba Cloud’s long-term commitment to cultivating a sustainable pool of digital talent in Malaysia. This initiative aims to contribute significantly to building a robust digital workforce and strategically positioning Malaysia as a future hub for technological innovation.
