WOU’s new School of Digital Technology (DiGiT) has gained traction and recognition in the Top in Tech Innovation Awards 2022 for its unique work-study model offered to students.
DiGiT, headed by Dr Lee Heng Wei and Dr Andrew Tan Kian Lam, was a Merit Recipient under the ‘Most Impactful Academia-Industry Collaboration (Commercial)’ category. This award ‘recognises a University or Polytechnic that has shown strong collaboration with industry since January 2022 to strengthen the delivery of its curriculum and ensure graduates are industry ready from the get Go!’
Thrilled by the win, Dr Lee commented, “This award recognises the DiGiT model that has shown a strong collaboration with the industry in delivering our curriculum and ensures our students are industry-ready. Compared to other conventional universities, our model is unique. We frontload our Year 1 students with relevant job skills through intensive Pro-Camp that involves industry experts actively teaching and mentoring in their day-to-day classes.”
He added, “Students are well-trained in the first year, which allows them to secure placements as full-time interns in the industry while continuing their education on weekends, giving them a chance to stay ahead of the game with a degree and work experience.”
This award competition, organised by Malaysiakini and Digital News Asia (DNA), is acknowledged by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
In DiGiT’s work-study model, students pursuing the Digital Business and Software Engineering programmes undergo an intensive first-year of full-time study, where they are equipped with the necessary digital knowledge and skills. From the second year onwards till completion, the students undergo paid apprenticeship with industry partners, while they pursue their studies on a part-time basis.
The Top in Tech Innovation Awards 2022 recognises innovation and digital adoption by organisations, groups and individuals from across Malaysia, each telling their unique innovation story.
Read more about the DiGIT School and its unique programme offerings here.