KUALA LUMPUR, October 24 – Universiti Malaya (UM), under the aegis of its Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, is set to forge a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Center of Applied Data Science (CADS). This marks a momentous collaboration aimed at spearheading the nation’s workforce transformation, emphasizing data literacy, and propelling data-driven practices to meet burgeoning industry demands. This synergistic partnership between UM and CADS heralds an era of educational and industrial transformation, igniting a data-driven revolution within the realm of Data Science and reinforcing the commitment to nurturing a resilient, future-ready workforce.
The relentless evolution of technology has ushered in an unprecedented global demand for skilled professionals in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related domains. Experts capable of extracting valuable insights from data have become invaluable assets for contemporary organizations. Aligned with Universiti Malaya’s vision of “A global university impacting the world” and its motto “Serving the Nation, Impacting the World,” UM’s status as a global leader, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and Malaysia’s premier institution, emphasizes the dedication to continuous learning and skills enhancement.
This collaboration strives to bridge existing skill gaps in both the industry and the community. Within this transformative alliance, UM and CADS will jointly develop dynamic academic programs and data literacy modules tailored to the evolving landscape of data science and global data-driven practices. These programs will cater to both technical and non-technical requirements of modern businesses. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of CADS.AI Skills Intelligence PlatformTM, an AI-driven skills assessment and learning placement platform, this collaboration will provide UM students with advanced courses and automated skills growth tracking, offering invaluable hands-on industry experience. It’s a synergy where academia converges with AI-powered, data-driven cutting-edge technology.
This collaboration comes on the heels of CADS introducing the region’s first Responsible AI Skill Certificate, further cementing its position as a trailblazer in the field and earning recognition as a ‘Cool Vendor’ by Gartner Inc., a leading global analyst firm, in a recent report. Founder and CEO of CADS, Sharala Axryd, affirms, “The partnership with UM exemplifies our dedication to nurturing talent and future-proofing organizations by enhancing data and AI literacy, and empowering analytics for hiring. Together with UM, we aim to elevate the workforce, preparing them for a data-driven era.”
This partnership extends beyond bridging the gap between academia and industry, incorporating revenue-sharing opportunities through training and certification programs, setting the stage for mutual growth. Additionally, CADS will function as an expert panel, providing insights and guidance to UM for student-related activities necessitating expert consultation. Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Professor Dr. Loo Chu Kiong, accentuates the timeliness of this partnership, particularly in response to the surging demand for Data Science graduates and related academic programs. This collaboration not only positions Malaysia on the path to digitalization but also advances its trajectory toward achieving high-income nation status.
Associate Professor Dr. Sri Devi Ravana, a pivotal figure in this collaboration, underscores its critical timeliness and strategic significance. “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration between academia and industry players like CADS is crucial. It enables a highly qualified workforce and cutting-edge research, pushing boundaries forward and benefiting both sectors and the nation as a whole.” UM and CADS are enthusiastic about the potential of this strategic partnership and the transformative effects it promises for academia, industry, and the community. The MoU signing ceremony marks the commencement of a transformative collaboration aimed at nurturing human capital capable of excelling in a digital economy.
