SINTOK, 17 June 2025: The University-Industry Synergy Programme featuring the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Johor Corporation (JCORP), was held at Seminar C, Convention Complex, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The event was aimed at strengthening strategic ties between academia and industry.
The programme is an integral component of the high-impact initiative established through the strategic partnership between the School of Government (SoG), UUM and JCORP, supported by the JCORP-UUM Mentorship programme.
In a sharing session titled “The Knowledge Pact: Designing Symbiotic Futures Between Universities & Industries”, JCORP President and CEO, Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan and SoG for his appointment as UUM Adjunct Professor.
“UUM has produced high-quality graduates and outstanding alumni,” he remarked.
He also informed that JCORP recently hosted a delegation from UUM, led by the Vice-Chancellor, at its headquarters, where they engaged in in-depth discussions regarding governance policies and potential collaborations aimed at nurturing future leaders.
“The question has shifted from what universities ought to teach or what industries require, to whether we can collectively co-design the future and work towards it together,” he emphasised.
He stressed that today’s learning experience must be holistically designed, not merely to produce graduates but to serve as a sustainable talent development system.
“This requires a fresh mindset and collaborative approach. From the industry’s perspective, it means stepping in as co-investors and co-creators in the development of talent, knowledge, and values,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Dean of SoG, Assoc. Prof. PMgr. Sr. Dr Mohamad Sukeri Khalid, extended his gratitude to Datuk Syed Mohamed for generously sharing his insights and experiences with UUM denizens.
“The presence of Datuk offers an excellent opportunity for us to enhance our knowledge and develop strategic thinking, which is vital in our growth as academics and industry partners,” he said.
According to him, this initiative is a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between academic institutions and industry, particularly through the role of Industry Mentorship in capacity building and the practical application of knowledge in real-world settings.
This programme brought together industry leaders and academia on a knowledge-sharing platform designed to enhance understanding of current industry needs and explore strategic approaches to foster impactful collaborations, especially in human capital development and research.
