IBM and Asia Pacific University in next-gen workforce collaboration

• APU started embedding IBM Rational software in its courses in 2011
• New MoU expands scope of curriculum to include more IBM technologies

IBM Malaysia and the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have announced an academic collaboration to develop what they said would be the “next generation of technology-savvy graduates.”
 
The two parties will share skills, best practices and knowledge, IBM Malaysia said in a statement.
 
In 2011, APU – via IBM’s Academic Initiative – began to embed IBM Rational software in the courses taught in its Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology.
 
The university's lecturers and students leveraged IBM Rational to design, develop and test software. The courses also included a model-driven development platform, and application design and development on the Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform, IBM Malaysia said.
 
“The IBM partnership provides yet another opportunity for APU students to connect with industry and prepare for professional life,” said APU Deputy Vice Chancellor Ron Edwards.
 
“Expertise in start-of-the-art technology, in particular, enhances their employability and familiarity with professional standards,” he added.
 
Under the new memorandum of understanding, APU will expand the scope of the curriculum to include IBM technologies in mobile application design and development, cloud computing, analytics, and security, it added.
 
As part of the collaboration, IBM will provide software, courseware, instructor training, teaching topics and professional certification to the lecturers and students undertaking the IBM related curriculum.
 
The provision would also equip APU with current expertise and knowledge in line with the latest IT industry requirements, as well as prepare students to meet future industry requirements, IBM Malaysia said.
 
“The collaboration with the Asia Pacific University reinforces IBM’s commitment to develop a future-ready workforce to meet the demand for graduates with skills in data analytics, mobile application development, and cloud computing,” said IBM Malaysia chief financial officer Wong Chiun Chiek.
 
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