MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #FutureTalent

  • Huawei ICT Competition 2025–2026 Concludes in Shenzhen, Showcasing a Platform for Future AI Talent Development

    Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Closing & Awards Ceremony

    SHENZHEN, CHINA, JUNE 8, 2026 – Shenzhen hosted the Closing & Awards Ceremony of the Huawei ICT Competition 2025–2026 Global Final, marking the successful conclusion of the competition’s 10th and largest edition to date. The program attracted more than 220,000 university students and faculty members from over 2,000 tertiary institutions across more than 100 countries and regions. This unprecedented participation underscores the competition’s growing influence as a global platform for developing ICT and AI talent.

    After progressing through national and regional stages, 177 teams from 49 countries and regions advanced to the Global Final. These teams were recognized for their outstanding performance across multiple evaluation stages, further highlighting the competition’s role in nurturing high-potential young innovators.

    This year’s competition featured three main tracks—Practice, Innovation, and Programming—bringing together diverse technical challenges designed to test real-world problem-solving abilities. From these rigorous contests, 18 outstanding teams from eight countries, including China, Nigeria, Singapore, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic, were awarded the Grand Prize.

    Beyond technical excellence, the competition also emphasized inclusivity and sustainability. Special awards such as the Women in Tech Award were presented to seven all-female teams from countries including Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kenya, China, and Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Green Development Award recognized teams from Ghana and China for their contributions to sustainable innovation. Additional honors included Fast Passes for ten Chinese students to the Huawei Future Business Leader Track, the Most Valuable Instructor Award for 16 educators from nine regions, and the ICT Competition Online Popularity Award presented to six teams across Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Poland, and Pakistan.

    Ritchie Peng Delivering the Opening Speech at the Closing & Awards Ceremony

    The ceremony was attended by diplomatic representatives from 11 countries, including ambassadors, consuls general, and counselors, who presented awards to winning teams from their respective nations. Their presence highlighted the competition’s global importance in fostering international cooperation in technology education.

    Ritchie (Honghua) Peng, President of Huawei ICT Strategy & Business Development Department, emphasized that the competition reflects Huawei’s long-standing commitment to using technology for social good and sustainable development. He noted that the Innovation Competition encourages students to apply learning to real-world challenges, while the Practice and Programming tracks highlight dedication and technical depth. He also announced the upcoming introduction of a new Ascend AI Operator Development Track in mainland China, designed to strengthen hands-on engagement with advanced AI technologies.

    Dr. Shafika Isaacs, Director a.i. of UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, praised the ongoing partnership between UNESCO and Huawei. She highlighted joint initiatives such as AI capacity-building programs in Arab countries and ICT education cooperation projects in Central Asia and the Caucasus, which aim to strengthen education systems and prepare future-ready talent.

    She further noted that participants demonstrated strong cross-cultural collaboration and responsible innovation, showcasing not only technical ability but also ethical awareness in the use of emerging technologies.

    Dr. Shafika Isaacs delivering a speech at the event

    During the Global Final, Huawei also hosted the AI Accelerating Education Transformation Summit, bringing together educators and industry experts to explore the role of AI in reshaping education. At the summit, Huawei launched its ICT Academy AI Course Solution, designed to support universities in building structured AI learning pathways and scaling talent development.

    In addition, Huawei released the ICT Skills Development Insight Report with recommendations for nine countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus, providing actionable insights for policymakers to align education with industry needs.

    As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, the demand for professionals skilled in AI, big data, cybersecurity, and computing continues to rise. The Huawei ICT Competition plays a vital role in bridging this talent gap by offering a global platform for students to develop practical skills, collaborate across borders, and engage with real-world technological challenges. Through its expanding tracks and global partnerships, the competition continues to strengthen Huawei’s mission of making technology more accessible and impactful for society.

    For more details about the 10th Huawei ICT Competition, please visit:
    https://www.huawei.com/minisite/ict-competition-2025-2026-global/en/index.html

  • Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan Drive Halal STEM Education Partnership

    Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan Drive Halal STEM Education Partnership

    Nestlé Malaysia has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem and developing future-ready talent through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan. The collaboration aims to advance Halal Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

    The MoU marks a significant step in bridging the gap between industry and academia, with both parties sharing a common objective of equipping young Malaysians with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the evolving Halal industry. The signing ceremony was held during the Halal STEM Expo at the IIUM Kuantan Campus, which brought together around 500 participants comprising upper secondary school students from across Pahang.

    Under this partnership, IIUM Kuantan will develop educational modules with support from Nestlé Malaysia, alongside the introduction of hands-on competitions designed to provide students with practical, real-world learning experiences. As part of the Halal STEM Expo initiative, the programme featured interactive experiments, exhibition booths, competitions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing student engagement and understanding of Halal STEM.

    Beyond student-centred programmes, the MoU also outlines wider areas of collaboration, including joint research in Halal science and food innovation, knowledge-sharing initiatives, as well as participation in conferences, workshops and academic publications. These efforts are expected to strengthen academia-industry linkages, encourage innovation and build a strong pipeline of future Halal talent.

    [From left] Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, 
    International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Prof. Dr. Kamaruzzaman Yunus, Dean, Kulliyyah of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Arifin bin Kaderi, Vice Director, IIUM Kuantan, Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Najib, State Executive Councillor for Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology and Innovation of Pahang, representing the Chief Minister of Pahang, Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs for Malaysia and Singapore, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia and Siti Hazlin Jantan, Halal Operation Manager, Nestlé Malaysia at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan to advance Halal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for young Malaysians. 

    Nestlé Malaysia Head of Halal Affairs, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, said the company’s commitment to Halal goes beyond maintaining high product and operational standards, extending to nurturing future talent for the industry. He added that the collaboration aims to spark students’ interest in STEM from a Halal perspective while providing them with practical insights into how science and technology contribute to the Halal ecosystem. He also noted that these efforts support national aspirations to increase STEM participation among students and further reinforce Malaysia’s position as a global Halal hub.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening Islamic STEM (Halal-STEM) education. She highlighted that the initiative is grounded in the IIUM Tawhidic philosophy, which integrates knowledge, values and holistic human development, while serving as a platform to connect academic learning with industry exposure and inspire students to pursue STEM pathways within the Halal ecosystem.

    A key highlight of the Halal STEM Expo was the Halal Frontier Talk, a panel session featuring representatives from Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which provided students with first-hand insights from industry leaders and highlighted potential career opportunities in Halal STEM fields.

     [From right] Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia, with participants of the Halal STEM Expo, where Nestlé Malaysia also served as judges and shared industry expertise, providing real-world insights into Halal manufacturing practices.

    The programme also featured the Innovate Challenge, where secondary school and university students were encouraged to develop and present innovative prototypes focused on sustainability and aligned with Halal STEM principles. Nestlé Malaysia played an active role throughout the competition as judges and mentors. In addition, interactive exhibition booths enabled students to explore the company’s Halal value chain more closely and gain a clearer understanding of the role of STEM across the industry.

    This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with various initiatives planned over the next two years to further empower students and advance Halal STEM education. Through this partnership, Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan remain committed to nurturing future-ready talent while strengthening Malaysia’s innovative Halal ecosystem.

  • TP-Link dan UiTM Meterai MoU untuk Pembangunan Kemahiran Perangkaian Industri

    TP-Link dan UiTM Meterai MoU untuk Pembangunan Kemahiran Perangkaian Industri

    TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (TP-Link Malaysia) dan Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) telah menandatangani Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) strategik bagi memperkasa pelajar dengan kemahiran perangkaian yang selaras dengan keperluan industri, pengalaman perusahaan secara praktikal serta pensijilan yang diiktiraf di peringkat global.

    Kerjasama selama tiga tahun ini dirangka untuk merapatkan jurang antara pembelajaran akademik dan keperluan sebenar industri. Melalui inisiatif ini, pelajar UiTM berpeluang menamatkan pengajian dengan kebolehan praktikal yang sejajar dengan keperluan semasa industri, sekali gus mengukuhkan kolaborasi antara sektor akademia dan industri.

    Sebagai teras utama kerjasama, penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada oleh TP-Link akan dilaksanakan di makmal UiTM bagi memberi pendedahan langsung kepada pelajar terhadap infrastruktur yang digunakan dalam persekitaran perniagaan sebenar. Inisiatif ini turut disokong oleh program latihan berstruktur, bengkel teknikal serta akses kepada laluan pensijilan Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA).

    Pelajar juga akan mendapat manfaat daripada peluang latihan industri dan penempatan praktikal bersama TP-Link, sekali gus membuka laluan yang lebih jelas daripada dunia akademik ke alam pekerjaan dalam ekonomi digital Malaysia yang semakin pesat berkembang.

    Kerjasama ini turut dibina berasaskan kejayaan inisiatif terdahulu antara TP-Link Malaysia dan Universiti Malaya, di mana lebih 500 pelajar telah menyertai program pensijilan pada tahun 2025, sekali gus mencerminkan permintaan tinggi terhadap kemahiran dan pensijilan rangkaian yang relevan dengan industri.

    Pengarah Serantau TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hugo Cai, berkata bahawa merentasi pelbagai industri, organisasi kini sedang memperluas infrastruktur digital mereka, namun masih berdepan kekurangan tenaga profesional yang memiliki kepakaran dalam rangkaian perusahaan. Beliau menegaskan bahawa kerjasama ini memberi tumpuan kepada usaha merapatkan jurang tersebut dengan melengkapkan pelajar dengan kemahiran praktikal yang disokong pensijilan serta relevan dengan keperluan industri sejak awal kerjaya mereka.

    Sementara itu, Naib Canselor Universiti Teknologi MARA, Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin, menekankan kepentingan melahirkan graduan yang bukan sahaja kukuh dari segi akademik, tetapi juga memiliki kemahiran praktikal yang relevan dengan perkembangan pesat landskap digital. Menurut beliau, kerjasama seperti ini membolehkan program pengajian diselaraskan dengan kemajuan teknologi serta jangkaan industri semasa.

    Selain pembangunan bakat, kedua-dua pihak turut akan meneroka peluang kerjasama dalam bidang penyelidikan, perundingan serta pertukaran pengetahuan, sekali gus memperkukuh hubungan antara jurutera TP-Link dan ahli fakulti UiTM.

    Seiring dengan usaha Malaysia memperkukuh aspirasi ekonomi digital, inisiatif yang menghubungkan pendidikan secara langsung dengan keperluan industri ini dijangka memainkan peranan penting dalam memastikan negara kekal berdaya saing dalam membangunkan serta mengekalkan infrastruktur digital moden.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada oleh TP-Link, sila layari laman web rasmi mereka.