As part of its commitment to workforce upskilling and strengthening academia-industry collaboration, WOU has entered into a strategic agreement with the Penang Master Builders (PMB), offering its members opportunities to enhance their professional credentials through further education.
To mark this partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between WOU and PMB during PMB’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang on 18 February 2025. Under the MoU, PMB members and their immediate family members will enjoy a 20% tuition fee rebate for any WOU academic programme, from diploma to doctorate level.
Speaking at the event, WOU Associate Vice Chancellor, Prof Ts Dr Yap Eng Hwa, remarked, “WOU is honoured to partner with PMB, a long-standing and highly respected trade association whose members are key drivers of the construction industry—an essential pillar of Penang’s economic transformation. We warmly welcome PMB to the WOU learning community and look forward to working together to expand upskilling and professional development opportunities at every career stage.”
He further elaborated, “This collaboration allows members to tap into our broad spectrum of learning resources aimed at enhancing their skills and industry competitiveness. At the same time, our ongoing engagement ensures WOU’s programmes remain aligned with evolving industry demands. Ultimately, this partnership supports Malaysia’s economic growth by equipping professionals with relevant skills.”
Bridging Industry Needs with Education
PMB President, Dato’ Goh Teng Whoo, emphasised the need for continuous learning in the evolving construction sector. “The industry is advancing rapidly—new technologies, new building methods, new regulations. If we don’t keep up, we risk falling behind. Continuous learning isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.”
Recognising this demand, WOU offers industry-relevant academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Construction Management and the Master of Business Administration (Construction Management). Additionally, the university provides flexible learning pathways, from micro-credentials that can lead to full degree programmes to customised corporate training that fits busy schedules and industry needs.
Prof Yap reaffirmed WOU’s mission to make quality higher education more accessible for working professionals through flexible open distance learning (ODL). “WOU is designed for those who want to upskill without putting their careers on hold. Our programmes offer the flexibility needed for professionals to gain new knowledge and qualifications at their own pace,” he said.
Echoing this call to action, Dato’ Goh urged PMB members to seize the upskilling opportunity, stating, “This partnership with WOU is an investment in ourselves, our skills, and our future. Explore the courses, take that leap, and invest in learning.”
Preparing for the AI-Driven Future
Beyond construction, WOU is also committed to equipping students with future-ready skills, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). “New students can access a diverse range of AI learning courses, with the flexibility to choose from 80 courses that best align with their career paths and AI learning needs,” Prof Yap noted. “Our aim is to empower adult learners with the AI expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, where AI is driving unprecedented industry transformation.”
Sealing the Partnership
The MOU was signed by Prof Yap on behalf of WOU and Dato’ Goh for PMB. The signing was witnessed by Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sean Tan Koon Tatt, Dean of WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE), and Tan Yee Churd, PMB Deputy President.
