In an effort to equip students with the right skill sets and tools for IR 4.0, Google Malaysia launched a pilot project for Google My Business (GMB) Activate with INTI International University & Colleges (INTI). The pilot session – a first of its kind in Malaysia – was initiated at INTI International College Subang.
Jon Day, Head of Marketing for Google Malaysia presenting on the introduction to Google My Business Activate.
The project saw INTI students being trained on utilizing Google My Business and assisting businesses and organizations, predominantly SMEs, to digitize and manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps. Students also received an opportunity to work hand in hand with business owners and managers, which allowed them to gain real-life industry experiences and prepare them for the challenges of building brand effectives in the digital age. The platform will also see students being equipped with the skillsets required in IR 4.0.
Jon Day, Head of Marketing for Google Malaysia, explains that apart from equipping students with digital skills and further exposing them to other digital platforms, the project allows students to work in a way that is very natural to them.
“Our students today are natives to the digital world, so through this platform, students will be able to master their digital skills and impact businesses in how they work and what challenges they face. This experience will in turn help them in their careers once they graduate,” states Jon.
INTI students and staff posing for a group photograph with Jon Day (center) during the Google My Business Activate pilot session.
Brian Foo, currently pursuing his Bachelors in Marketing in INTI International College Subang, shares that it is an empowering experience for him to participate in this pilot session.
He shares, “As a Marketing student, I found it extremely helpful to gain an in-depth knowledge of businesses through the data analytics we learn through the Google My Business programme. This gives me first-hand experience into understanding how marketing and digital marketing affects small business, and in turn helps me to develop new marketing strategies to help SMEs adopt a stronger digital presence.”
Statistics by SMECorp Malaysia show a total of 907,065 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 2016 , out of which, only 20% have a digital presence . This result creates concerns addressed in Malaysia’s National eCommerce Strategic Roadmap that reports businesses which do not adopt a multi-channel (offline and online) approach may face challenges to remain competitive.