INTI College Sabah (ICS) and SME Association Sabah celebrated their renewed partnership in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, reinforcing their commitment producing industry-ready graduates and fostering a thriving business landscape in Sabah.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Founding President of SME Association Sabah, Mr. Lie Chui Vui, Secretary General of SME Association Sabah, Mr. Kelly Tan, Vice President of SME Association Sabah, Mr. Yap Por Chik, Director of Agriculture of SME Association Sabah, Mr. CK Goh, Director of Events of SME Association Sabah, and representatives from both INTI College Sabah and SME Association Sabah.
(Front row, from left to right) Mr Lie Chui Vui, Secretary General of SME Association Sabah, Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Founding President of SME Association Sabah, and Dr. Athanasia Nointin, Dean at INTI College Sabah, signing the MoU to strengthen ties and foster industry-ready graduates.
In her opening remarks, Roselyn Chua, Chief Executive of INTI College Sabah, emphasized the evolving concept of employability due to changing consumer behaviour and global economic shifts. She highlighted the need for INTI College Sabah to adapt its curriculum to equip graduates with the skills and attributes that make them highly employable in the current market.
“Employers today seek individuals who possess a blend of technical skills, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong learning mindset. The ability to navigate through complex challenges, embrace digitalization, and collaborate effectively in diverse teams has become essential in the contemporary job market,” she said.
The renewal of the partnership with SME Association Sabah demonstrates INTI’s unwavering commitment to producing industry-ready graduates. Previous collaborations, such as internships, INTI Leadership Series, and mentoring programmes, have successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry, providing students with practical experience and industry insights.
Roselyn Chua (right), Chief Executive of INTI College Sabah and signatory for INTI, graciously accepting a token of appreciation from Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Founding President of SME Association Sabah.
Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Founding President of SME Association Sabah, expressed delight with the collaboration and anticipated its lasting impact on students’ lives and the growth of the business community in Sabah.
“It is an honour for SME Sabah to be invited once again to sign a second MoU with an esteemed college like INTI. The first signing was done back in 2018 when SME Association Sabah was just six months old. Five years later, our association has grown stronger and is still gaining strength,” said Professor Datuk Foo.
As part of the renewed partnership, SME Association Sabah sponsored a special Industry Award worth RM1000, presented to one of INTI College Sabah’s outstanding graduates during the recent convocation ceremony. This award symbolizes SME Association Sabah’s support and recognition of excellence among the college’s students, motivating and inspiring them in their professional journeys.
Representatives from INTI College Sabah and SME Association Sabah posing for a group photo at the MoU signing ceremony.
INTI acknowledges the value of nurturing future leaders and equipping graduates with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce. By establishing partnerships and collaborations with more than 1,000 industry partners, INTI provides students with knowledge, skills, and practical experiences that align with today’s employers’ expectations.