KUCHING: Wawasan Open University (WOU) has forged a strategic alliance with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT) and the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) to empower its technology graduates and contribute to the growing talent hub in the state of Sarawak.
“The tripartite agreement will pave the way for the continuous upskilling of TVET (technological and vocational educational and training) talents and for fulfilling the TVET talent gaps,” said Dean of WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE), Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sean Tan Koon Tatt.
He elaborated “We intend to work with MBOT and APTT to explore collaboration on TVET and STEM educational programmes that would enhance technology and technical education, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Sarawak and Malaysia.”
These are among the future collaborations that STE has in mind to support innovation and talent development in the country, particularly in the state of Sarawak.
The partnership was formalised at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony during the MBOT Borneo Symposium in Kuching today. WOU was represented by Dr Tan.
The University, through the STE, currently offers bachelor’s degree programmes in electronics, mechatronics and construction management. Its master’s programmes are in the fields of Systems Design Engineering, Manufacturing and Production Management, and Construction Management.
WOU also runs scheduled and on-demand, skills-centric, micro-credential courses that allow students to accumulate credits towards a degree programme. These are delivered by STE and the WOU Academy, the University’s training arm.
“Our STEM-focused programmes offer MBOT and APTT members professional development options that cater to the different levels of their professional and academic requirements,” said Dr Tan.
He added that learners can enrol in any programme or courses without compromising their job commitments. “The advantage of WOU’s open distance learning (ODL) mode is that you can study at your own pace and convenience to earn an accredited qualification,” he said.
Under the agreement, WOU will also facilitate the registration of new graduates with MBOT as a Registered Person under the Technologists and Technicians Act 2015 (Act 768) and promote the MBOT student chapter programmes to its students.
The collaboration will also leverage the expertise and influence of the partners to promote academic excellence and boost technology and technical education in Malaysia.
As an institution founded on the ODL concept, WOU works to bridge existing talent gaps and training needs in industries by equipping working adults with the necessary credentials and qualifications to remain competitive in their careers.