Malaysia campus celebrates World Youth Skills Day with EmPOWER programme achievements
In celebration of World Youth Skills Day, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia proudly showcases the transformative impact of its EmPOWER Programme.
This innovative initiative cultivates purpose-driven leaders equipped with the skills necessary to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
This year, 231 students received their IMPACT Transcripts, with 17 awarded the Provost Prize and 4 receiving the IMPACT Prize, sponsored by EXPERIAN for outstanding achievements. The IMPACT Transcript documents students' growth across four levels: Watt, Kilowatt, Megawatt, and Gigawatt, each corresponding to increasing degrees of personal and community impact.
The IMPACT Transcript initiative represents a pioneering approach to higher education. It's crafted to celebrate the multifaceted achievements of students beyond conventional academic success, providing a holistic view of their growth and potential that is invaluable in today's competitive job market.
Students across various disciplines unanimously praise the EmPOWER Programme for its transformative impact.
Tay Hong Ying, a MEng Civil Engineering graduate now working at AECOM, shares: “Heriot-Watt University's EmPOWER Programme has been important in shaping my purpose while contributing towards professional and personal development. Completing the Watt, Kilowatt, and Megawatt levels provided me with invaluable skills in leadership, critical thinking, and community impact. The IMPACT Transcript has been a testament to my holistic growth. It has highlighted my readiness to tackle complex challenges and contribute effectively as a Graduate Structural Engineer”
Liew Pei Yee, BSc Computing Science graduate employed at Experian Malaysia, emphasises the programme's impact on her professional growth: “The EmPOWER Programme at Heriot-Watt University has significantly influenced my growth as a professional with purpose. Completing the Watt and Kilowatt levels and earning the Provost Prize has honed my critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills. The IMPACT Transcript underscores my achievements and a compelling narrative of my development journey, making a strong impression on my employers at Experian Malaysia. It has helped me stand out as a proactive and capable individual ready to tackle complex challenges."
Farah Kayla, BSc Actuarial Science graduate now working at EY Indonesia: "Experiencing the EmPOWER Programme at Heriot-Watt University and earning the Provost Prize has been a defining moment in my academic and professional journey. The IMPACT Transcript has been a powerful tool in demonstrating my commitment to excellence and my ability to make a significant impact in the actuarial field."
Uzair Ahmud Salman Romjon, BSc Quantity Surveying graduate, now working at Gamma Construction Ltd: "The EmPOWER Programme has been a crucial cornerstone in my Heriot-Watt journey. It has provided me with a comprehensive skill set that extends far beyond the classroom. The IMPACT Transcript has been an invaluable document, highlighting my holistic development and dedication to making a positive difference. It has significantly impressed my employers, showcasing my readiness to contribute meaningfully and drive impactful projects in the construction industry."
Employers too recognise the value of the skills cultivated through the EmPOWER Programme.
The EmPOWER Programme empowers students to chart their developmental paths, fostering intentional lifelong learning. This approach significantly enhances the employability of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia graduates, making them not just job-ready, but future-ready in our rapidly evolving global economy.
Chai Ping Chua, HR Director at Experian Malaysia, adds: "The EmPOWER Programme has developed individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also possess essential leadership and soft skills. These graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today's dynamic job market, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence to their roles."
The programme's impact extends beyond the campus. Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David, Co-Founder of the Nicol David Organisation, commends the programme's community impact: "I was impressed to see students undertaking the EmPOWER Programme practically mobilising their purpose into positive impact by raising funds for NGOs aligned with their sense of purpose. Our Little Legends programme was one of the beneficiaries of this highly impactful work, demonstrating how education can be a catalyst for meaningful community engagement."
Through collaborations with organisations like the Nicol David Organisation, Malaysian Federation of the Deaf, and Teach For Malaysia, the EmPOWER Programme addresses critical areas such as employability, mental health, environmental conservation, and social development. These initiatives not only demonstrate the University's dedication to fostering social capital but also align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
The IMPACT Transcript serves as our effort to signpost skills to match industry needs. It embodies the University's commitment to fostering global citizens prepared to lead with purpose and integrity. By providing a comprehensive record of a student's growth across various domains, we're equipping our graduates with a powerful tool to showcase their holistic development to potential employers.
The EmPOWER Programme aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). By investing in youth skills development, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is not only contributing to the personal and professional growth of its students but also driving sustainable societal progress in alignment with global goals.
As World Youth Skills Day underscores the critical role of skilled youth in addressing global challenges, the University's EmPOWER Programme stands as a testament to how education can be a powerful catalyst for global change.
For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, please visit www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/