PETALING JAYA, 28 August
\n2026<\/b> \u2013 CelcomDigi Berhad (\u201cCelcomDigi\u201d) and HELP
\nUniversity will collaborate to develop high-potential Malaysian students into
\nfuture digital talent through work-based learning, industry mentorship and
\nexperiential learning opportunities. By bringing together academic knowledge
\nand practical industry experience, the collaboration aims to strengthen
\nindustry relevance in higher education and support the development of a
\nfuture-ready talent pipeline for Malaysia. <\/p>\n
A key focus of the
\ncollaboration is the development of Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for
\neligible HELP University students across different years and levels of study.
\nThrough exposure to real business projects and genuine work environments,
\nstudents will have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge while
\ngaining valuable insights into the telecommunications and technology sector. <\/p>\n
The partnership will
\nalso explore corporate and industry mentorship opportunities by connecting
\nstudents with experienced CelcomDigi professionals to deepen their
\nunderstanding of workplace expectations and guide them towards making informed
\ncareer decisions. <\/p>\n
Both organisations will
\nexplore pathways aligned with the 2U1I nomenclature \u2013 \u201c2 Years University-Based
\nLearning, 1 Year Industry-Based Learning\u201d \u2013 creating a structured framework for
\nstudents to complement their academic years with hands-on industry exposure and
\nstrengthen their readiness for the workforce. <\/p>\n
For HELP University,
\nthe partnership forms part of its wider commitment to delivering an education
\nthat combines academic rigour with meaningful industry exposure, ensuring that
\nstudents are equipped not only with qualifications, but with the knowledge, experience
\nand professional capabilities required to navigate the future of work.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Driving AI Leadership
\nand Innovation<\/b><\/p>\n
A significant area of the collaboration is AI leadership and innovation.
\nThe parties intend to collaborate through an AI Hub at HELP University,
\nbringing academia and industry together in areas such as applied AI projects,
\nresearch and innovation, industry engagement, capability and talent
\ndevelopment, and knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and other
\nemerging technologies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future of
\ntertiary education lies in bringing the classroom and the workplace closer
\ntogether. Universities have an important role to play not only in providing
\nstudents with a strong academic foundation, but also in ensuring that they
\nunderstand how that knowledge is applied in the real world,” said Dr Goh
\nChee Leong, Group Co-CEO (Tertiary), HELP Education Group.<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cOur
\ncollaboration with CelcomDigi gives our students the opportunity to experience
\nthat environment before they graduate. Through the unique 2 Years
\nUniversity-Based Learning, 1 Year Industry-Based Learning model, they will be
\nable to develop their capabilities in an industry setting, learn from
\nprofessionals and gain a clearer understanding of what will be expected of them
\nas they enter the workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Continued economic growth for the country will require a strong
\npipeline of talent equipped with both technical knowledge and practical
\nunderstanding of how businesses operate and innovate. Closer engagement between
\nacademia and industry can help create richer learning experiences that better
\nprepare students for the realities of the modern workplace,” said Azmi
\nUjang, CelcomDigi\u2019s Chief Human Resources Officer.<\/p>\n
“Beyond academic
\nachievement, employers increasingly value adaptability, problem-solving and the
\nability to apply knowledge in real-world settings. Through this partnership, we
\nhope to broaden opportunities for students to develop these qualities, strengthening
\ngraduate employability while supporting the talent needs of Malaysia’s evolving
\ndigital economy,” he added.<\/p>\n
In addition to the
\nWBL programme, the partnership will also broaden access to education and
\nlifelong learning opportunities for CelcomDigi employees and their children. As
\npart of this effort, HELP University will offer a range of learning programmes,
\nincluding short courses, micro-credentials, executive education, customised
\nprogrammes and professional certifications, encompassing both credit-bearing
\nand non-credit-bearing options.<\/p>\n
Together, the various
\nareas of collaboration establish a broad structure for CelcomDigi and HELP
\nUniversity to enhance engagement between academia and industry \u2013 from students
\nbeginning their educational journeys to working professionals seeking to
\ndevelop new capabilities throughout their careers.<\/p>\n