GEORGETOWN, PENANG, 12 December 2022 – Another significant milestone has been achieved in further boosting the university-industry cooperation when Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang and UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College today at The Skye Event Space here.

USM was represented by its Industry Network Director, Division of Industry & Community Network (BJIM), Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin; while UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Chong Beng Keok; and Chairman of 88 Captains, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ooi Eng Hock led the delegates of 88 Captains Advisors and Committee Members.

Also present as guest of honour was the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow who witnessed the signing ceremony.

Through this MoU, a student scholarship programme will be jointly established that will provide assistance and opportunities to USM students, especially students from families in the B40 group to further their studies in USM. Each student will receive between RM15,000 and RM20,000.

Shaizatulaqma said, “USM is enthusiastic to be collaborating with Persatuan 88 Captains. As an educational institution, we work closely with the industry to ensure that our students match the demand upon graduation, and we are truly grateful and appreciate the sponsorship offered by Persatuan 88 Captains that will benefit both parties.”

The collaboration also focuses on producing future talents with the hope of retaining young talents to study and work in Penang, by developing student career opportunities in line with the job demand availabilities of Persatuan 88 Captains.

This approach is also in line with USM H.E.B.A.T Agenda to create a conducive ecosystem in developing H.E.B.A.T (Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate, Thinking) students to enhance graduates’ employability values.

Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang, or “88 Captains” is an NGO which was established on 7 April 2022 by a group of industrialists, entrepreneurs and professionals.

The missions of 88 Captains are to provide financial and advisory support and employment to eligible underprivileged students.

Text & Photo: Eliza Yasmin Dahlan (BJIM)/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe