Kuala lumpur: Networking devices and smart home products provider TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TP-Link Malaysia) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant networking skills, hands-on enterprise experience, and globally recognised certifications.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the three-year collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements, enabling UiTM students to graduate with practical capabilities that align with current enterprise needs. This partnership will involve deploying TP-Link's Omada enterprise networking solutions in UiTM laboratories, providing students with exposure to infrastructure used in business environments. Additionally, the collaboration will include structured training programmes, technical workshops, and access to the Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA) certification pathway.
The joint statement from both parties highlights that students will benefit from internship and industrial training opportunities with TP-Link, thus creating a clearer pathway from university to employment in Malaysia's growing digital economy. TP-Link Malaysia regional director Hugo Chai noted that industries are scaling their digital infrastructure, but the availability of professionals with enterprise networking expertise has not kept pace. "This collaboration is focused on closing that gap by equipping students with practical, certification-backed skills that are directly relevant to industry needs from day one," he said.
UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin emphasised the importance of ensuring graduates are equipped with both academic knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. "Collaborations such as this allow us to align our programmes more closely with technological advancements and industry expectations," he said.
The initiative will also explore joint efforts in research, consultation, and knowledge exchange, fostering closer collaboration between TP-Link engineers and UiTM faculty members.