Monash University Malaysia and SAS Institute Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide students who have completed selected units offered at the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, with a SAS Academic Specialisation.
The MoU is a joint effort by both organisations to award students who complete required courses a digital badge that the students may use online to indicate their SAS Academic Specialisation. The partnership aspires to boost digital-based learning while preparing students for a digitally advanced future and the competitive job market.
“The demand for skilled analytics talent continues to outpace supply in Malaysia, and it is critical to close this talent gap. Our partnership with Monash University Malaysia will help to support analytics and technology-enabled workforce through integrating the university’s curriculum with SAS analytics software, equipping students with the skills to solve business problems using real-world data,” said Cheam Tat Inn, Managing Director (Malaysia), SAS Institute.
The School of Business aims to establish a long-term working relationship with SAS Institute Malaysia through this MoU by bridging the digital gap created by an inadequate pool of data experts in Malaysia. The move will also enhance the University’s education strength in preparing students for a career in analytics.
Stating that digital literacy is a non-negotiable skill today, Professor Beverley Webster, Vice President (Education), Monash University Malaysia, said, “We aim to have graduates with specialised skills in a whole range of data analytics talents. Talent that is in high demand. Talent that traverses a range of fields and discipline areas. Not just the tech industries. Data analytics has grown to be an asset in numerous industries.”
Professor Beverley added that having access to the SAS Academic Specialisation Program will support the University’s ambitions. “Students can be awarded digital badges on completing selected units offered in the school and can use them to demonstrate that they have achieved specific skills. Monash is a highly ranked university, and we aim to provide our graduates with a competitive advantage. Our graduates are well sought after, and opportunities like this can be the point of differentiation when seeking employment,” she said.
Data analytics has grown to be an asset in multiple industries as it can help companies understand their customers, create content strategies and develop products.
“The partnership aims to create a pool of talent that will fulfil the need for a data-driven economy. Monash’s School of Business and SAS have the same aspirations of equipping graduates and the existing labour force with data analytics skills. It is the first small step towards a bigger goal of a skill-based Malaysian economy,” stated Professor Nafis Alam, Head of School of Business, Monash University Malaysia.
