TAR UC Signs MoUs with Silverlake

In its efforts to intensify industry-academia collaboration, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR UC’) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) with Silverlake Lifestyle Community (‘SLC’) Sdn Bhd and Silverlake Symmetry & Technology Research Sdn Bhd (‘SSTR’) respectively on 11 February 2020 which would enable TAR UC to demonstrate its capability in developing digital technology as well as provide opportunities for students to gain industry exposure through internship and eventually lead to employment.

The collaboration between TAR UC and SLC will see both parties collaborating and promoting a unique “hi-hive Lifestyle Community Ecosystem” or hi-hive in short. Hi-hive is a purpose-built university super app mobile digital ecosystem that allows for the use of technology to create smart application to facilitate activities of daily living within TAR UC community. The Super App creates a digital mobile ecosystem for digitalising campus processes, academic learning and campus life as well as promoting economic activities within the community by providing innovative and beneficial services that will enhance students’ well-being and enrich their journey in TAR UC. The collaboration with SLC serves as a testament to TAR UC’s active participation as the development partner to showcase its technological prowess. On the other hand, the MoU with SSTR signifies the strategic collaboration between the two parties on Blockchain Digital Certification System and to work on curriculum for a new degree programme consisting of 2 years in university and 2 years in industry (‘2u2i’) as well as providing internship opportunities for TAR UC Engineering, Microelectronics and ICT/Applied Science students by SSTR. The collaboration also opens up recruitment opportunities for TAR UC graduates by SSTR.

During the signing of the MoUs, Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UC, highlighted that this smart collaboration would be significant in transforming education. “These two MoUs are particularly significant as they provide an avenue for us to leverage on our research capability in digital technology. We are very pleased to be the development partner with Silverlake which will enable both TAR UC and Silverlake to tap into each other’s strength to transform education for the benefit of the TAR UC community.

“The collaborations with Silverlake are also in line with our motto which is “Beyond Education” where we aim to provide not only academic learning to students but to imbue them with good values to prepare them for future life’s challenges”, Prof Ir Dr Lee added.

Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Silverlake Group, shared his views on the collaboration between academia and industry. “Universities and companies have to work together in order to develop graduates that the employers need. So far, Silverlake has employed many TAR UC graduates and they have good attitude and always get their jobs done,” Mr Goh said.

The ceremony saw Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei and Mr Goh Peng Ooi signing the MoUs which formalised the collaboration between TAR UC and Silverlake.