Ericsson, UTM, DNB collaborate to prepare students for 5G

• A total of 1,200 students expected to gain
• Help to educate students on 5G, emerging technologies

Ericsson, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) have announced their collaboration to launch a 5G education initiative in Malaysia that will help educate Malaysian students on 5G and emerging technologies. 

In a joint statement, the companies said this collaboration is expected to reach up to 1,200 students in the first year alone and will enable UTM students to participate and contribute to the country’s digital economy and industry 4.0 transformation.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three parties, Ericsson will open its Ericsson Educate platform to UTM students to provide access to learning material on key technologies.

Select subjects covered at an introductory level include: 5G networks, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, blockchain, cloud computing, data science, IoT and telecommunications, the companies said.

The collaboration will provide both students and lecturers with access to quality digital learning resources that draw on Ericsson’s 145-year experience in telecommunications and ICT, they said.

Content from the Ericsson Educate portal will be provided at no cost and integrated to complement UTM’s online-based degrees and micro credentials programs, they added.

Ericsson will also train UTM faculty members to use the course materials as part of the subjects they teach, it said.

In addition to content from the Ericsson Educate portal, Ericsson and DNB said they will also provide subject matter experts as guest lecturers on relevant topics pre-selected by UTM.

DNB will also be working towards creating opportunities for course participants to potentially join DNB as interns upon completion of relevant courses, the companies said.

UTM vice-chancellor, Professor Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail said producing world-class talent by developing high-quality graduates is UTM's top strategic thrust and priority. 

"Our partnership with Ericsson and DNB is to integrate industry-driven content into our curriculum to help enhance our graduates' skills and knowledge to equip them to perform in the IR4.0 working environment effectively," he said. 

He said UTM's partnership with Ericsson was also part of the university's obligation to support the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint, promote lifelong learning, enabling Malaysians to meet the skills and competencies needed for a developed economy.

"This will also maximise the potential and excellence of individuals in the workforce through reskilling and upskilling opportunities," he added.

DNB’s chief corporate affairs officer, Zuraida Jamaluddin said 5G will be a game changer in transforming Malaysia’s digital economy. 

“It is also poised to improve the way we work and play, the way we innovate and the way we learn. With lower latencies, faster speeds and AR/VR capabilities, 5G will allow an immersive learning environment and encourage innovation in many aspects of education.”

Meanwhile, head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, David Hägerbro said the initiative strengthens Ericsson's continued collaboration with UTM in research and development and will serve to accelerate Malaysia's IR 4.0 agenda. 

"It is a significant step by Ericsson together with DNB towards developing a 5G ready workforce in Malaysia that can leverage the potential of 5G to support the government's MyDigital vision.

"By supplementing their ongoing studies with Ericsson Educate content as well as DNB’s industry insights, they will strengthen their ICT skills and enhance the availability of 5G ready talent in the country," added Hägerbro.