In today’s job market, experience counts. Recognising this, INTI College Sabah has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SME Association of Sabah, continuing a collaboration first established in 2023. The MoU, signed on 10 July 2025, reflects a shared goal: to give students practical exposure to real business challenges while supporting the growth of local enterprises.
The ceremony brought together key representatives from both organisations. From the SME Association of Sabah were President Dr Deledda Tan, Deputy President Lie Chun Vui, Vice President Ir Edwin Fong Kim Wai, and Director of Partnership Development and Council Member Sunny Chai Nyit Ngen. Representing INTI College Sabah were Professor Dr Vincent Pang, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Datuk Chong Hon Len, a Member of the Board of Governors; Roselyn Chua, Chief Executive of INTI College Sabah; Dr Athanasia Nointin, Academic Dean and Global Partnership Liaison; and Dong Yi Hui, Chief Operating Officer of Asia International Higher Education Co Ltd (AIHE).
“This MoU marks the continuation of a shared vision,” said Roselyn. “Together, we have built a foundation for knowledge exchange, innovation, and business development that benefits both students and local enterprises.”
She mentioned that partnerships like these are integral to INTI’s focus on providing practical and relevant education. “Through partnerships like these, our students gain exposure to real-world challenges while contributing to meaningful change in their communities,” she said.
Dr Deledda Tan echoed the importance of strong industry-academia collaboration.
“This renewed MoU will further our efforts in promoting industry-academia synergy through initiatives such as award sponsorships, entrepreneurship bootcamps, training, coaching, and mentoring. We are proud to work alongside INTI to support the next generation of Sabah’s business leaders,” she said.
She also noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable human capital development.
“We hope this collaboration continues to grow and evolve, especially in preparing students to thrive in the fast-changing global economy,” she added.
INTI collaborates with over 1,000 industry partners nationwide and emphasises hands-on learning to ensure students develop skills aligned with evolving workforce demands. Such collaborations help close the gap between academic theory and real-world industry practice, boosting students’ adaptability and preparedness for various career paths.
The renewed MoU emphasises the importance of long-term partnerships in enhancing education, supporting entrepreneurship, and developing capacity within local communities in Sabah.
Representatives from INTI College Sabah and the SME Association of Sabah at the MoU renewal ceremony reaffirm their commitment to industry-academia collaboration. Standing (from left): Dong Yi Hui, Chief Operating Officer, Asia International Higher Education Co Ltd (AIHE); Datuk Chong Hon Len, Member of the Board of Governors, INTI College Sabah; Professor Dr Vincent Pang, Chairman of the Board of Governors, INTI College Sabah; Ir Edwin Fong Kim Wai, Vice President, SME Association of Sabah; and Sunny Chai Nyit Ngen, Director of Partnership Development cum Council Member, SME Association of Sabah.
Seated (from left): Dr Athanasia Nointin, Academic Dean cum Global Partnership Liaison, INTI College Sabah; Roselyn Chua, Chief Executive, INTI College Sabah; Dr Deledda Tan, President, SME Association of Sabah; and Lie Chun Vui, Deputy President, SME Association of Sabah.