Seamless Pathways: How IMU and MNCs Co-Create the Future of Work - Spotlight Greater KL

Talent

Seamless Pathways: How IMU and MNCs Co-Create the Future of Work

Director, Industry Partnerships and Engagement
Interim Director, IMU University

1. In your view, why is it important for universities to collaborate with multinational
companies (MNCs) in Greater KL?

Universities don’t exist in a vacuum. Partnering with MNCs pairs their scale, global standards, and real-world problems with our research depth, talent, and local insight. We co-design curricula, internships, student engagement, and joint research that also boosts employability and strengthen MNC localisation. MNCs global scope and broader worldview also helps students experience and see issues beyond what they see in front of their eyes.

2. How do partnerships with MNCs enhance the employability and industry readiness

of your graduates?

MNCs’ global market experience, mature corporate cultures, and proven systems help students acclimate quickly to work life. Their strong reputations and structured professional development programmes accelerate growth and boost employability.

3. Can you share an example where collaboration with industry has directly benefited
your students or academic programmes?

At IMU University, industry engagement is embedded throughout the student life cycle - from the Open Day to post graduation. Each undergraduate and postgraduate programme has an Industry Advisory Board that contributes to the curriculum and is involved in student activities, internships, placement, and sponsorships. Initiatives like the Graduate Trainee Programme and work-based learning directly benefit how students learn through industry attachments. Our Food Science and Innovation degree for example is one of the first to implement the 2u1i concept introduced by MOHE. This is where students spend their entire final year in industry, effectively as part of their workforce. Such a collaboration wouldn't be possible without the support of strong industry partners.

4. What more can be done to strengthen the relationship between academia and MNCs in Malaysia’s evolving talent landscape?

To strengthen academia–MNC ties, we need disciplined follow-through. MOUs should carry clear KPIs, owners, and review meetings so nuance isn’t lost. MNCs should tap university research for translational projects and commercialization, while universities provide scalable learning platforms to co-develop micro-credentials and short courses that can be offered not just for MNC staff but also the public. MNCs should also encourage faculty-in-residence stints inside teams to co-supervise live projects.

5. How is your graduate centre preparing students to adapt to the future of work, especially in the context of rapid technological change and global industry shifts?

Aside from the regular career consultations, industry visits, and other student engagement activities, these are three specific initiatives that we are implementing to prepare student for the future of work.

Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP), which brings students into industry earlier and effectively extends internship durations for deeper, project-based exposure;
Career Development Flagship Programme, where industry leaders brief students on employer-selected, current topics and expectations; and
Career-bridging micro-credential courses, co-developed with industry and designed for self-learning to close the gap between classroom knowledge and workplace skills.
(2026) Alumni-Student Mentoring Programme, where students are paired with alumni in a structured mentoring programme to prepare for employment in specific industries or even occupations.

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