KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 24): Cloud infrastructure and business mobility services provider VMware Inc is collaborating with Malaysia’s Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) to equip students with knowledge and skills on virtualisation and cloud technologies.

In a statement last week, Vmware said the collaboration was part of APU and VMware’s commitment to develop relevant skillsets in support of Malaysia’s growing digital economy.

It said the information and communication technology sector contributed a substantial RM 13.77 billion to Malaysia’s GDP in 2014, according to MSC Malaysia, with growth expected to continue into 2016.

It said the VMware-APU collaboration will ensure that businesses have access to a ready workforce enabled through the comprehensive program, ranging from curricula development, training of staff and students, to professional certifications.

APU dean for quality assurance and partnership, Prof Dr Andy Seddon, said the institution sees technology and innovation as key enablers for businesses on the back of Malaysia’s growing digital economy.

“The collaboration with VMware, the leading virtualization and cloud infrastructure provider, provides our staff and students [with] a holistic program from academic, to technical training and internship opportunities for real-world experience.

“Aligned with our direction and commitment in empowering the nation with industry-relevant IT skills, we are excited for this partnership to take flight,” he said.

VMware said that as a part of its commitment to develop Malaysia’s next-generation workforce, it will also be providing internship opportunities and on-the-job training for students to gain relevant work experience and witness technology in action.

WMware Malaysia and Brunei's managing director Laurence Si said investing in talent development was key to ensuring that expectations and demands for the rapidly changing trends of technology in the industry and nation, are met.

“As Malaysia advances towards developing its digital economy by 2020 under the Digital Malaysia initiative and Vision 2020, we are thrilled to partner with award-winning university, APU, in building the nation’s digital workforce to support businesses in today’s mobile-cloud era,” said Si.