Kuala Lumpur, 28 June 2024 – In a significant milestone for the Faculty of Computing at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), the Computer Technology Student Association (PETAKOM) has been officially awarded the esteemed Premier Digital Technology Institution (PDTI) status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This recognition, which highlights PETAKOM’s commitment to excellence in digital technology education, was announced during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held on 27 June 2024 in Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur.

The MoU between the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and MDEC aims to enhance the development of the nation’s digital talent and improve the marketability of graduates in digital technology and entrepreneurship. The collaboration is set to introduce a range of initiatives that will benefit students, lecturers, and the entire higher education ecosystem in Malaysia.

As part of this initiative, PETAKOM has also been recognized as a PDTI Tech Club. This prestigious status will enable PETAKOM to provide students with hands-on experiences and the latest technological skills through partnerships with industry giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and IBM SkillBuild. The PDTI Tech Club aims to benefit approximately 5,000 students in 2024, offering practical experience, cutting-edge technological knowledge, and learning opportunities from industry experts.

In his speech, Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in bolstering the nation’s digital talent and increasing the employability of graduates in the digital technology and entrepreneurship sectors. The initiatives under this MoU, including the GIG 'Digital Freelance' and 'Global Outsourcing Talent' programs, as well as the e-Usahawan program, are designed to enhance digital entrepreneurship skills and provide students with valuable opportunities to explore new technologies and generate income through digital platforms.

Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry’s address, delivered by the Chief Secretary of MOHE, Datuk Seri Dr. Zaini Ujang, also highlighted the MoU’s commitment to knowledge sharing, expertise, and resources between MDEC and MOHE. This collaboration aims to foster a robust digital education ecosystem, benefiting public universities, private universities and colleges, polytechnics, and community colleges under MOHE.

The recognition of PETAKOM as a PDTI and PDTI Tech Club aligns with UMPSA’s mission to contribute to the nation’s digital economy and prepare graduates to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry. This achievement not only underscores PETAKOM’s dedication to providing high-quality digital technology education but also positions UMPSA as a leading institution in digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Source: Computer Technology Student Association (PETAKOM)