Pocket News
Canon and USM Collaborate to Advance Education and Nourish Creativity
27 July 2023

GEORGE TOWN, July 27 – Canon Marketing Malaysia (“Canon”), a renowned global leader in imaging solutions, has partnered with Universiti Sains Malaysia (“USM”) to enhance the quality of education through digitalization and foster local creative talents. The prestigious institutions have sealed this collaboration with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), marking Canon as the Official Imaging & Smart Tech Partner of USM for the next three years. The joint effort between Canon and USM aims to digitally transform the university, in line with the Ministry of Higher Education’s vision of empowering higher education services through digitalization.

The partnership signifies Canon’s commitment to its Kyosei” philosophy, promoting cooperation for the greater good, and USM’s goal of “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow. “We are excited to collaborate with USM. Canon’s dedication to innovation and educational initiatives aligns with our core belief of ‘Imaging for Good.’ Through this strategic partnership, Canon seizes the opportunity to empower students with enhanced skills and exposure to the corporate world in this dynamic digital age.

We are proud to support USM in nurturing a new wave of well-equipped graduates, prepared for diverse industries,” said Shunji Yoshikai, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Malaysia. USM’s dedication to digital transformation is further underscored by its remarkable achievement, being ranked fourth globally in the 2023 Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings (THE-GIR). The ranking is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and USM stands out as the top-ranked among Asian universities.

This collaboration emphasizes the university’s commitment to sustainability, aiming to improve the quality of life for all. The MoA entails a comprehensive range of collaborations, including workshops, sponsorships, and opportunities for USM students. Canon’s array of input and output imaging products will be given priority consideration by USM, making Canon an integral part of the university’s digital transformation journey, empowering its ecosystems and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, Canon will conduct quarterly photography and videography workshops to strengthen the skills and knowledge of students and staff at USM.

To foster careers for creative talents within the industry, Canon will sponsor the Festival Filem Anak Muda (FFAM) organized by Sekretariat Protégé USM and Dewan Budaya USM, and provide camera loans to support students’ creative pursuits. USM students will benefit from Canon’s industry experts participating in career fairs, talks, and on-campus roadshows. The university will also recommend Canon as its preferred placement and internship partner, ensuring students have an edge in skills development, industry exposure, and career opportunities with Canon’s support.

Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Vice-Chancellor of USM, expressed delight with Canon as their Official Imaging and Smart Tech Partner. He believes that the collaboration will elevate students’ learning experiences and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a digitally-driven world. Integrating industry expertise with academic knowledge, USM aims to nurture future-ready graduates who can contribute effectively to the creative and digital trades.

Prior to this MoA, Canon has been supporting universities in Malaysia through strategic alliances, financial aid, and other education-related initiatives. With education as a key area for social contribution, Canon’s efforts to build a sustainable future for the environment and society are driven by its “Kyosei” principle. This collaboration aligns with both organizations’ commitment to a sustainable future. Together, Canon and USM are poised to shape the future of technology-driven education and drive the growth of the creative industry in Malaysia.