INTI International University & Colleges (INTI) and the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the ties between education and industry. This collaboration aims to develop qualifications driven by industry needs, professional training programmes, and foster knowledge exchange between business leaders and students.
The agreement will facilitate the creation of HRDF-approved training programmes and MQA-accredited academic qualifications tailored to the retail sector’s requirements. Beyond formal education, MRCA members will participate as guest speakers, mentors, and research collaborators, providing students with real-world insights and connecting businesses engage with emerging talent. To further support industry professionals, INTI is also offering special corporate discounts to MRCA members, their employees, and immediate family members to promote accessible lifelong learning.
INTI CEO Dr. Chong Kok Wai emphasised the critical role of industry collaboration in shaping a workforce prepared for today’s business challenges, stating “Industries are evolving rapidly, and it’s essential for education to match this pace. Our collaboration with MRCA ensures that our educational offerings remain practical and relevant, equipping both students and professionals with the right skills to remain competitive. This collaboration not only allows businesses to directly influence talent development but also gives students the opportunity to have firsthand experience with real-world business operations,”
Dr. Chong Kok Wai (front, second from left) and Datuk Dr. Ken Phua (front, second from right) exchanging MOU, witnessed by Prof. Dr. Shamsul Nahar Abdullah (left) and Dr. Cassandra Chan Yi Rong (right). Back row from left Prof. Dr. Goh Khang Wen, Prof. Dr. Tan Seng Teck and Or Seng Yeang.
A key highlight of this collaboration is the appointment of six distinguished business leaders from MRCA as adjunct professors at INTI. Their expertise will provide students valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry best practices. The appointed Adjunct Professors are:
● Datuk Dr. Ken Phua, President of MRCA and Managing Director of Bentley Music Sdn Bhd
● Dato’ Eddie Choon Yee Seiong, Founder of MRCA and Managing Director of Poh Kong Holdings Bhd
● Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, MRCA President Council and CEO/President of Focus Point Holdings Bhd
● Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok, MRCA President Council, Founder and Chairman,
Nelson Group of Companies, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mozambique
● Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, MRCA President Council and Executive Chairman of Goldenhome Interior Sdn Bhd
● Datuk Seri Garry Chua, MRCA President Council and Founder of Rotol Group of Companies
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Adjunct Professor at INTI, alongside five other esteemed MRCA dignitaries. I firmly believe that learning should never cease, regardless of one’s position or age. Albert Einstein said ‘once you stop learning, you start dying, so continuous learning is key to strengthening our mindset.” said Datuk Dr.
Ken Phua.
MRCA represents a diverse network of companies that are integral to Malaysia’s retail industry, including major players like Zus Coffee, Focus Point, 7-Eleven Malaysia, 99 Speed Mart, Senheng Electric, Metrojaya, and Parkson. Through this collaboration, INTI and MRCA aim to strengthen the connection between education and business, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet industry expectations.
Dr. Chong congratulated Datuk Dr. Ken Phua on earning his PhD with INTI, recognising his commitment to business and education. “Balancing business leadership responsibilities with academic achievement is no easy task. Datuk Dr. Ken Phua’s success reflects the spirit of continuous learning that we hope to inspire both the students and industry professionals,” he said.
This MoU marks a significant step forward in aligning education with industry needs. By working together, INTI and MRCA create opportunities for professional growth, industry engagement, and workforce development, reinforcing INTI’s commitment to preparing future professionals for success in the evolving business landscape.
INTI appointed six distinguished business leaders from MRCA as adjunct professors, front from left Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok, Datuk Dr. Ken Phua, Dato’ Tay Sim Kim and Datuk Seri Garry Chua. Back row from left Prof Dr. Goh Khang Wen, Dr. Chong Kok Wai and Prof Dr. Shamsul Nahar Abdullah.