HELP University, Mobius Group enter strategic partnership

• Both parties explore potential collaboration on data science and IT
• HELP has established CIR4.0 to manage promotion of data analytics programmes

HELP University and training provider Mobius Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enter into a series of discussions to jointly offer courses and training programmes to enhance the data science ecosystem in Malaysia.

This strategic partnership will see both parties explore potential collaboration on offering courses on the 'body of knowledge' (BOK) in data science and information technology, along with the 'application of knowledge' (AOK) in specific industries, the university said in a statement.

HELP and Mobius will cooperate on developing these courses that will have potential for credit transfer under the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning with Credit (APEL.C) programme.

The programme is aimed at providing opportunities for experienced workers to transfer their working experience into credit hours. This will allow applicants to continue to upgrade their qualifications to a higher level, HELP said.

Other areas that HELP and Mobius will cooperate on is to co-develop new micro-credential courses, which will be endorsed by industry players.

Mobius Group is a training provider in the field of data science and information technology. Helmed by a group of industry experts, they claimed to offer its expertise and advice in content development for the courses, learning pathways, and the delivery of training.

HELP University, in turn, will offer its expertise and knowledge on the development of self-instructional materials (SIM).

Paul Chan, vice-chancellor of HELP University, said that HELP has established a Centre for IR4.0 (CIR4.0) to manage the promotion of data analytics programmes, which will organise activities in collaboration with industry partners such as Mobius.

The centre is headed by Dr Tang U-Liang, head of the school of information and communication technology, faculty of computing and digital technology.

He will spearhead HELP’s efforts to provide formal education, training, and upskilling to students and the wider public in IR4.0 related skills.  

“The centre will organise forums and webinars in collaboration with industry partners such as Mobius in research, course development, and consultancy. It is vital to work with industry partners to ensure that the programmes offered fit industry needs,” said Chan.

According to Chan, HELP has invested US$6.1 million (RM25 million) in the Business Analytics and Technology Innovation Centre (BATIC) in its Subang 2 campus, which houses the facilities to train students and entrepreneurs in big data, live-stock trading, and is also a techno-entrepreneurship incubator.

Adding to this, Dr Mark Chia, founder of Mobius Group said: “Mobius aims to help graduates and young professionals find the right data science career path that would give them the edge in their professional development.

“Mobius recognises the need to develop a pipeline of digital professionals amongst new graduates and the existing workforce. Collaborative efforts with education institutions such as HELP, government agencies, practitioners and industry players are key.”

Both parties said that they are committed to support the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) initiative into transforming Malaysia into the heart of digital Asean.