University signs partnership to nurture Malaysia’s next generation of tech leaders
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia has announced a strategic partnership with The Access Group (“Access”), one of the largest UK-headquartered providers of business management software.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in the University’s mission to develop a highly skilled, agile workforce and drive technological advancement in Malaysia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
By collaborating with leading organisations like Access, the University aims to support Malaysia’s goal of cultivating a digitally proficient talent pool by 2030—one equipped to lead and innovate in the digital economy.
This partnership will not only support their career progression and provide access to real-world challenges but also offer The Access Group the opportunity to leverage the pioneering products, technologies, and processes we are continually developing, giving them a competitive edge in their market
Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, emphasised the value of this collaboration, “We have a proven track record of nurturing tomorrow’s talent by producing highly employable graduates and fostering purpose-driven leaders. Companies like The Access Group are shaping and impacting the world—precisely the kind of innovative organisations our students aspire to work for.
"This partnership will not only support their career progression and provide access to real-world challenges but also offer The Access Group the opportunity to leverage the pioneering products, technologies, and processes we are continually developing, giving them a competitive edge in their market.”
Chee Gay Lim, Managing Director of the Global Operations Centre (GOC) in Kuala Lumpur, highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent, “This partnership with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is a key step in building our GOC as a hub for technological innovation and development.
"At Access, we believe in investing in local communities and empowering young professionals to thrive in the digital economy. By tapping into the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of Malaysia’s young workforce, we aim to foster a culture of creativity and progress while providing students with meaningful opportunities to contribute to Malaysia’s digital economy, which is expected to contribute 25.5% to the country’s GDP by 2025.”
As part of this initiative, Access will work closely with students from the University’s Information Systems and Data Analytics programmes, providing hands-on experience through internships, academic development exchanges, and participation in industry-relevant projects. By integrating academic learning with real-world applications, our students will be equipped with the skills needed to excel in a competitive, technology-driven job market.
Beyond student development, the partnership will also include collaborative research projects that address real-world business challenges. Heriot-Watt students will have the opportunity to work alongside Access teams on initiatives designed to complement their learning and build the relevant skills needed to successfully launch their careers.
By aligning academic expertise with industry insights, both parties can stay ahead of market demands while shaping the future of business technology.