[UTAR] Tap Into Digital Economy

by StudyMalaysia.com on August 24, 2022 | Top Stories

[UTAR] Tap Into Digital Economy - StudyMalaysia.com

The world’s economy is now digitally driven and it has been getting a lot of attention, with increasingly strong headlines offering momentous as well as incredibly exciting stories. In Malaysia, the nation takes the lead in key areas such as digital adoption, digital entrepreneurship, digital innovation and digital talent development to navigate today’s global digital economy needs.

In the process of making Malaysia into a digital economic capital, the nation requires a pool of human capital with the right skills and training. Therefore, to ensure our Malaysians remains competitive, it is crucial to equip youths with digital skills so that they are prepared and pertinent for the future.

In view of this matter, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is intensifying its efforts to develop the necessary human capital that will redefine the nation’s digital economy by launching a new degree programme, named Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) Digital Economy Technology, beginning this year in the October Trimester.

Parked under UTAR’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), the newly launched degree programme has been developed in response to the increasing role of technology and digital resources in business, administration and other fields of work as well as socioeconomic status.

UTAR FICT Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue explained, “UTAR’s Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) Digital Economy Technology is a three-year programme that aims to equip students with digital competencies such as basic programming or data analysis and visualisation skills, which are essential to thrive in today’s job market; and transferable skills, applicable in various professional and social contexts, such as the ability to find and select information, critical thinking, teamwork and communication.” He added, “Upon completing the programme, students will acquire a comprehensive range of analytical, problem-solving, professional skills and knowledge in application programming, cybersecurity, database development and applications, e-commerce, enterprise systems, business systems, web development, financial technology, etc.”

When asked about the programme’s uniqueness, FICT Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Choo Peng Yin said, “It is essential for university-industry collaboration in this day and age in order to keep abreast of the latest developments and trends. As one of the Premier Digital Tech Universities (PDTU), this new programme is indeed an initiative by UTAR to work with FICT’s industry partners to develop industry-relevant syllabus and materials for our digital technology students. UTAR continues to expand its effort to collaborate with the industry because we want to develop our students’ computational thinking which allows them to explore the fundamental concepts of computer science and digital making.”

He added, “The programme also includes an industrial attachment for the students, as well as attachment and mutual visits by staff members for research or curriculum development in the companies. This would serve as a platform for students and staff to explore their strengths in areas, namely Internet of Things (IoT), Data Science, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. On top of that, our students will also be able to hone their innovation, leadership, communication, collaboration and entrepreneurial skills.”

Other benefits of UTAR Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) Digital Economy Technology programme include:

An integrated curriculum covering industrial and digital technology across socioeconomic activities
An interdisciplinary programme of study combining economics, management and information technology, health care, financial, property, communication and etc.
Creates a catalyst mindset for the next phase of the economy, as many industries are already embracing digital economy
An exposure in digital economy ecosystems, both in the East (eg: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies, especially China) and the West (the US and Europe)
Integration of the innovation process of products and services via digital economy activities
Provides competitive talents in an integrated market with integrated platforms in the RCEP region
Selected career options after graduation:

- Business Intelligence Specialist
- Business System Administrator
- Data/Business Analyst
- Digital Entrepreneur
- Functional Consultant
- IT Business Development Consultant/Manager
- IT Customer Support
- IT Project Executive/Manager
- System Development Engineer
- Web Platform Developer

UTAR is a university offering courses in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the areas including Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Arts, Chinese Studies, Malaysia Studies, Business and Economics, Biotechnology, Engineering and Build Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Media and Journalism, Education and General Studies, Agriculture and Food Science, and engages in the provision and conduct of research, consultation, management and leadership training and other related educational services at its campuses at Bandar Sungai Long and Kampar in Malaysia.