KPT-MDEC GOT Programme prepares UMPSA graduates to thrive in the Global Digital Economy

PUTRAJAYA, 6 November 2024 – The Global Outsourcing Talent (GOT) Programme, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), aims to enhance graduate employability through innovative initiatives tailored to the digital economy.

The GOT programme is an initiative under the PENJANA KPT-Career Advancement Programme (PENJANA KPT-CAP), targeting final-year students and graduates to develop their digital skills. Training fields include Web Design, Creative Media, Social Media Management, Virtual Assistance, and Linguistics.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Yang Berhormat Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, celebrated the success of 5,518 participants who were successfully trained as highly skilled digital freelancers at the programme’s Closing Ceremony held at KPT.

Also in attendance were MDEC Chairman, Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh; KPT Deputy Secretary-General (Policy), Dato' Dr. Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian; Director-General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman; and Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dato' Professor Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Toriman.

UMPSA was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, who is currently serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed; and Director of UMPSA Career Centre, Associate Professor Dr. Izwan Ismail.

In his speech, Datuk Ts. Mustapha emphasised the importance of the digital economy for Malaysia’s future. 

He highlighted that the programme equips graduates and undergraduates with the necessary preparation to thrive in the gig economy, which plays an increasingly vital role in the global economy.

Meanwhile, Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha remarked that the programme significantly enhances graduates' employability within the gig economy, which is now widely accepted as an alternative source of income.

“I hope that UMPSA students seize this opportunity and participate in the training provided to equip themselves with the relevant skills needed in the global job market.

“In fact, through this initiative, it will not only help increase graduates' marketability but also strengthen Malaysia’s position as a world-class digital talent hub,” she said.

The Outstanding Achievement Award (University Category) recipient, Muhammad Abid Akhras Mohd Ansarullah Eu Abdullah@Eu Kin Kuang, a third-year Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems and Networks) with Honours student at UMPSA, expressed his gratitude for the award and the opportunity to participate in the Professional Training to Become a Digital Freelancer.

“This programme provides exposure for students to fields of work such as Virtual Assistance, Web and IT Design, and Creative Media.

“It is specifically designed for students who are ready to become trained freelancers.

“I hope that the experience gained will give me the opportunity to compete in the global market and secure a place in the job market, where the gig economy is becoming increasingly prominent,” said Muhammad Abid, who is from the Faculty of Computing (FK).

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)