By Ng Yi Xuan
Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) on 28 March 2021 to enhance the employability of its students.
The MoU, a Student Development programme initiative of PYDC was signed by the Dean of Business and Management, Edward Soo Kok Keong on behalf of HCUC and the General Manager of PYDC, Dr Gwee Sai Ling.
HCUC was among the five institutions of higher learning in Penang that signed the MoU which was witnessed by the Penang State EXCO for Youth and Sports, YB Soon Lip Chee. The other four institutions were Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Segi College, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC) and UOW Malaysia KDU University College.
“The MoU was aimed to encourage students to learn new skills and develop their soft skills as the Penang state government has been always focusing on the development of the youth,” YB Soon said.
“Since the inception of PYDC in 2012, the state government is determined to stand side by side with the younger generation focusing on the aspects of community engagement, youth employment, knowledge transfer and other educational youth development initiatives.
“Positive collaboration between PYDC and higher learning institutions in Penang could witness the state achieving the target of becoming an education hub,” he added.
Dr Gwee who was instrumental in realising the MoU including the Young Vision Talent Program, Essential Skill and Hestan Program, Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2021 which are expected to be launched in early April, also announced the second phase of the Penang Young Digital Talent Program that includes the certificate of e-commerce, digital marketing, web design as well as basic graphic design.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of HCUC, Dr Beh Kok Hooi who was present at the ceremony emphasised that this cooperation would contribute to the development of a workforce attuned to the demands of the 21st century.
“HCUC shares the same passion for shaping the youth of today. By sharing our best practices of innovation, research training and education, we can achieve the vision of moulding young lives who are sincere and open minded in the preferences of curiosity and inquiry,” Dr Beh said.
HCUC Dean, School of Business and Management, Soo Kok Keong told HCUC Insights that students at HCUC had been strongly encouraged to participate in youth development programmes organised by PYDC.
“PYDC is actively recruiting, and staff are needed for development of youth programmes. HCUC students could apply for the available vacancies offered by PYDC upon successful graduation.
“Moving forward, HCUC will be working together more closely with PYDC in developing our youth to become exemplary future leaders for a nation and society,” Soo said.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, face-to-face programmes have been difficult to conduct, and PYDC collaborates with some NGOs, higher educational institutions and associations to organise virtual development programs for the youth in Penang.
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