USM PENANG, 21 April 2022 – “Dell Technologies has been one of the active partners of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) which provides a platform for USM and Dell to work hand-in-hand to groom and equip USM undergraduates to become highly employable under the USM LIFE Programme, a new academic initiative that advocates creative and experiential learning,” said USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan when welcoming delegates from Dell Technologies, led by its President, Mr. Amit Midha.

“I am immensely proud and pleased with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that USM has signed with DELL on 9th September 2021. In order for us to continue, we need to keep changing, keep adapting to challenges to stay as among the strongest institution of higher learning.

“Our strategic plans for the next 3 years aim to address Global Challenges like Climate Risk, Post-COVID Resiliency, Social Wealth Imbalance, Joblessness, Socio-Economy and Political Instability and we are committed to contribute to digitalisation and the connected world,” he added.

According to Amit Midha, such relationships have never been more important given the complexities brought about by COVID-19 and the global environment, and need for both institutions to look forward in continuously exploring new areas and new ways of cooperation, particularly in developing programmes that promote student paid internship, academic exchange, joint scientific research and the development of cutting-edge ideas that benefit our mutual communities.

The signing of last year’s MoU has opened a new chapter for both parties to collaborate in areas which have been mutually identified, and we are looking forward to a fruitful relationship with a prestigious university like USM in the coming years, with the introduction of a new collaboration proposal known as the STEMAspire Programme Model #WeAspire.

According to the General Manager of SWTC, Medium Business Singapore & Malaysia, Teoh Ean Na, ex STEMAspire is a mentoring programme for female students who are studying in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

STEMAspire is a 1x1 mentoring programme that will run for 6 months and with 2 training sessions. The idea is to build a diverse STEM talent pool for future University Recruitment (UR), and with the target of having 50 students in separate sessions.

“Our objective is to encourage and empower students to graduate and have a successful career in the Technology sectors,” she added.

The idea was well-received by the Vice-Chancellor and trust that the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Development Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman will play a pivotal role in this collaboration, and to facilitate in the search to bring talents to be groomed under STEMAspire.

Also present were Senior Vice President, South Asia and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Malaysia, Pang Yee Beng; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Development Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman; Dean of the School of Housing, Building and Planning, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ismail; Director, Regional Human Resources, Andy M; Senior Manager, Project/Program Management & Women In Action Co-lead, Evelyn Ang; and MoU Liaison Officer, Ar. Tan Bee Eu.

Text: Mohamad Hafiz Asyraf Mohd Arop/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa