Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Huawei: A Partnership for Future Technology Leadership

Pioneering ICT talent development in Malaysia

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), established in 1994, is a leading educational institution in Malaysia renowned for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation. Situated in the scenic city of Kota Kinabalu, UMS has grown into a hub for scholarly pursuits. Over the years, UMS has cultivated numerous partnerships with global industry leaders to provide its students with cutting-edge knowledge and the most relevant skills.

One of the institution's most significant collaborations is with Huawei, a global powerhouse in information and communications technology (ICT). This partnership, which began in 2017, was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Huawei's Asia Pacific Innovation Day in Kuala Lumpur.

The establishment of a Huawei ICT Academy at UMS has been instrumental in advancing ICT talent development across Malaysia, and has significantly enhanced UMS students' technological capabilities, as well as their readiness for the global job market. This collaboration encompasses a range of initiatives such as specialized Train the Trainer (TTT) programs, students' professional certification training and examinations, curriculum enhancement, and participation in international ICT competitions. Together, these efforts are dedicated to nurturing Malaysia's next generation of ICT professionals and innovators.

Integrating Huawei courses for an enhanced curriculum

UMS has enriched its curriculum through the integration of Huawei's specialized ICT courses, ensuring that the skills students acquire are highly relevant in the industry. Led by dedicated lecturers who collaborate closely with Huawei experts, the curriculum is tailored to local educational standards and industry demands.

Huawei's courses, including Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) in Artificial Intelligence, Datacom, Security, and Cloud Computing, are tailored to meet regional needs while retaining global applicability. UMS lecturers also undergo rigorous training provided by Huawei so that they remain up to date in terms of technological advancements and effective teaching methods. This equips them with the tools they need to deliver courses that are enriched by real-world examples and local case studies, enhancing students' practical skills and learning experiences. Huawei's advanced ICT courses provide UMS students with hands-on experience and knowledge that is crucial for success in the evolving ICT landscape, preparing them to compete in global events like the Huawei ICT Competition.

Learning with hands-on practice: Bridging theory with real-world solutions

At the heart of the UMS–Huawei partnership lies practical learning, which is integral to the educational approach at UMS. Faculty members encourage students to participate in practical hands-on activities in labs, as well as real-world case study workshops, and to engage in project-based learning. The University's state-of-the-art labs, equipped with Huawei's latest devices and technologies, provide students with all the necessary tools to conduct experiments and hone practical skills.

Guided by their instructors, students tackle diverse projects encompassing network setup, configuration, and advanced telecommunications research. These projects are specifically crafted to address real-world challenges, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Collaborative efforts with Huawei not only strengthen students' technical competencies but foster critical problem-solving capabilities and teamwork skills.

Participating in Huawei ICT Competitions: A showcase of the brightest talent

A cornerstone of the UMS–Huawei partnership is the active involvement of both students and faculty in Huawei-sponsored competitions, notably the prestigious Huawei ICT Competition. This global event challenges participants to demonstrate their ICT skills through a series of rigorous tests and practical problems.

UMS has consistently achieved remarkable success in these competitions. In recent years, UMS teams have distinguished themselves at Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals, securing top positions that highlight their technical expertise and innovative thinking. These achievements underscore the exceptional quality of education and training provided by UMS, backed up by Huawei's expertise and resources.

Participating in these competitions not only provides students with invaluable international exposure but enhances their employability through the recognition of their skills on a global stage. Moreover, UMS has been honored with the High Impact University-Industry Engagement Award, underscoring its commitment to fostering impactful collaborations that prepare students for careers in the dynamic ICT landscape.

Visualizing success: Key achievements of UMS

UMS, in collaboration with Huawei, had a Huawei ICT Academy established in 2019, which was upgraded to a Huawei ICT Academy Support Center (IASC) in December 2022. The UMS IASC has reached significant milestones, reflecting UMS–Huawei's shared commitment to excellence in ICT education.

UMS's Huawei ICT Academy boasts an impressive roster of 24 active teachers, with 17 Huawei Certified ICT Associates (HCIAs) and 10 Huawei Certified Academy Instructors (HCAIs). The academy has 1,358 active students, 835 of whom have undergone HCIA training, while 396 have earned their HCIA certifications. A total of 46 ICT courses have been conducted onsite, and 713 students are engaged in the Huawei ICT student association.

UMS's key achievements:

• 2019: UMS received the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing its excellence in ICT education in Malaysia. Additionally, UMS came second in the Network Track at the National Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2018–2019.
• 2020: UMS was honored with both the University-Industry Engagement Award and High Impact University-Industry Engagement Award, highlighting its strong collaboration with industry partners. Furthermore, UMS came second in the Network Track at the National Final, and scooped up Third Prize at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2019–2020.
• 2021: UMS was awarded the Top Active Achievement Award and continued its success through the Seeds for the Future program across Brunei, Ireland, Malaysia, and New Zealand, earning First Prize in the Innovation Track at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2021–2022.
• 2022: UMS celebrated its recognition of women in technology by winning the Women in Tech Award and Second Prize in the Innovation Track at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2022–2023.
• 2023: UMS continued to demonstrate its excellence by winning the Women in Tech Award and Third Prize at the Global Final for the Huawei ICT Competition 2023–2024. Additionally, UMS won the Grand Prize and First Prize in the Computing Track at the National Final for 2023–2024.

The impact of the UMS–Huawei partnership is best illustrated through the success stories of students. Many UMS graduates have gone on to join Huawei and its partners, making significant contributions to the ICT industry. Others have leveraged their Huawei certifications and UMS education to excel in the broader ICT field. These success stories inspire current students, showcasing the tangible benefits of UMS–Huawei collaboration. Such stories also underscore the dedication and excellence demonstrated by UMS and Huawei in cultivating a world-class ICT talent pool that is poised to make significant contributions to the global technology landscape.

Forging future ICT leaders: UMS–Huawei partnership in education and innovation

The partnership between UMS and Huawei has yielded incredible results, spanning from curriculum development to notable student successes in international competitions. Integrating Huawei's advanced technologies into UMS's educational framework has significantly elevated education quality, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the ICT industry.

Looking forward, UMS and Huawei are committed to further strengthening their collaboration. Planned initiatives include broadening the scope of available Huawei certifications, deepening research and innovation partnerships, and launching new programs focused on emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

The collective vision is clear: To cultivate a dynamic learning environment that empowers students with the knowledge and tools needed to lead in a constantly evolving ICT landscape. By continuing their partnership, UMS and Huawei aim to foster innovation, drive technological advancements, and cultivate a skilled workforce that is capable of meeting global economic demands.

In summary, the collaboration between UMS and Huawei exemplifies a productive fusion of education and industry. Together, they not only enhance educational standards, but play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and preparing the next generation of ICT talent to lead tomorrow's success.