Month: October 2025

Talent development programmes will be delivered through WOU Academy Signed MoU with three parties to nurture future ready talent for Economy 4. 0 Wawasan Open University (WOU) has further reinforced its role in bridging academia and industry by entering into new collaborations with an education partner and two Penang-based industry players. In a statement, the university noted that these partnerships build on earlier initiatives, strengthening its efforts to equip talent across all workforce levels from shop-floor operators to senior executives, with flexible, industry-aligned learning pathways leading to accredited academic and professional qualifications. At an official ceremony, WOU, represented by its chief executive and vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan (pic), signed Memoranda of Understanding with Fourier TVET Centre, MI Equipment Sdn Bhd, and 3REN Berhad. By expanding this network of alliances, WOU demonstrates its commitment to co-developing talent pipelines with key players from Penangs high-tech industries. Collectively, these initiatives create broader opportunities to address critical skills gaps and support the states electrical and electronics, semiconductor, automation, and medical technology sectors. In her welcome speech, Prof Chan said the collaborations highlight WOUs role in strengthening Penangs academiaindustrygovernment ecosystem to cultivate sustainable talent pipelines that not only secure the states long-term growth in critical technology sectors but also enhance its global competitiveness. She emphasised that the university acts as an enabler, closing talent gaps through targeted programmes in engineering, business, data analytics, digital technologies, and leadership. Recognising Penang as the Silicon Valley of the East, we see it as essential for education institutions like WOU to play a central role in shaping the regions talent landscape. Building on our established collaborations in the E&E sector, and with Fourier as a leading training centre for engineers, we are now extending our reach into the fast-growing medical technology space, she said. Together, these partnerships will ensure industries acquire the advanced skills required to innovate, scale, and compete globally, while reinforcing Malaysias broader digital economy agenda in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy and AI Nation 2030 aspiration, she added. Speaking at the event, Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, said the partnerships represent a significant expansion of Penangs talent development ecosystem as the state strengthens its position as a regional manufacturing hub. With its flexible, industry-aligned model, WOU ensures employees can continue working while upgrading their skills and pursuing accredited qualifications. Such pathways are essential not only to bridge the talent gap, but also to future-proof Penangs position as a globally competitive hub for advanced technology, she added. I would like to congratulate WOU and its strategic industry partners for taking this bold initiative. This collaboration is not only timely but also essential to nurture talent in the state, aligning perfectly with the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint at the post-tertiary level. It aims to embrace lifelong learning through a proactive upskilling and reskilling approach to ensure our workforce remains relevant in the job market, Loo said. These partnerships mark the latest phase in WOUs strategy to align academia with industry and co-create a resilient talent pipeline for Economy 4. 0. By joining forces with industry leaders and education innovators, the university ensures that employees and students alike gain practical, future-ready skills that directly serve workforce needs. WOU will collaborate with Fourier TVET Centre, the only City & Guilds (UK) authorised training centre worldwide, to co-deliver a Skills Diploma in Mechatronic Technology. The programme covers mechatronic competencies such as PLC and HMI programming, motion control, systems design, and fault finding. Established in 1996, Fourier has pioneered dual-mode vocational and engineering education, producing over 800 graduates recognised as Chartered and Professional Engineers. With MI Equipment, a Penang-based innovator in semiconductor equipment solutions operating across Asia, the collaboration includes corporate rebates for employees pursuing studies in engineering, business, data analytics, digital technologies, and leadership. From its 200, 000 sq. ft. R&D headquarters, MI leads in wafer fabrication, die sorting, wafer reconstruction, AI-enabled inspection, and smart factory automation. Meanwhile, with 3REN, a public-listed automation and engineering company, WOU will provide pathways for staff to pursue its Bachelor of Technology degrees in Mechatronics and Electronics, as well as the Commonwealth Executive MBA. Serving over 500 clients worldwide, 3REN specialises in product engineering, digital solutions, and automation, with a strong focus on AI, machine learning, and Industry 4. 0/5. 0. These programmes will be delivered through WOU Academy, the universitys corporate upskilling and talent development arm, supported by academic input from its faculties in technology, engineering, business, and digital technology. According to WOU, these collaborations underscore its mission to remain flexible, open, and industry-aligned, directly contributing to Penangs long-term competitiveness in the global technology landscape. Collectively, the partnerships signal WOUs determination to develop a robust talent pipeline for Economy 4. 0 equipping Penangs workforce with the skills, knowledge, and industry relevance required to thrive in the digital and innovation-driven era.