PUTRAJAYA, 6 November 2024 - The organisation of the Global Outsourcing Talent (GOT) Programme by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is capable of enhancing graduates' employability through innovative initiatives tailored to the digital economy.

The GOT Programme is part of the initiative under the PENJANA MoHE-Career Advancement Programme (PENJANA MoHE-CAP), targeting final-year students and graduates to develop their digital skills through training in areas such as Web Design, Creative Media, Social Media Management, Virtual Assistance, and Linguistics.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YB Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, celebrated the success of 5,518 participants who were successfully trained as high-skilled digital freelancers at the Closing Ceremony held at MoHE.

Also in attendance were MDEC Chairman, Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of MoHE, Dato' Dr. Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, Director General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, and Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dato’ Professor Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Toriman.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, acting Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd. Rusllim Mohamed, and Director of UMPSA Career Centre, Associate Professor Dr. Izwan Ismail.

In his speech, Datuk Ts. Mustapha emphasised the importance of the digital economy as Malaysia's future and stated that this programme helps graduates and students to be better prepared to face the gig economy, which is increasingly playing a significant role in the global economy.

Meanwhile, Professor Ts. Dr. Aida said that this programme can enhance graduates' employability in the gig economy, which is increasingly accepted as an alternative source of income.

“I hope UMPSA students will take this opportunity and follow the training provided to graduates to give them the relevant skills needed in the global job market.

“Moreover, through this initiative, it not only helps to increase graduates' employability but also strengthens Malaysia's position as a world-class digital talent hub,” she said.

Meanwhile, the recipient of the Excellent Achievement Award (University Category), Muhammad Abid Akhras Mohd Ansarullah Eu Abdullah@Eu Kin Kuang, a third-year student at UMPSA studying for a Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems and Networking) with Honours, expressed his gratitude upon being selected for the award and having the opportunity to participate in the Professional Training to Become a Digital Freelancer.

“This programme exposes students to work fields such as Virtual Assistance, Web and IT Design, and Creative Media.

“This programme is specially designed for students ready to become trained freelancers.

“I hope the experience gained will allow me to compete in the global market and secure a place in the job market where the gig economy is increasingly gaining traction,” said the student from the Faculty of Computing (FK).

Source: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Corporate Communication Centre.