UMPSA, Grab Malaysia sign collaboration to provide flexible education access for gig workers

PEKAN, 11 January 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Grab Malaysia strengthened their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to provide access to education and training aimed at improving the academic qualifications and competence of gig workers.

This collaboration is a proactive step by UMPSA to support and enhance the capabilities of gig workers, aligning with the evolving job landscape, which is increasingly changing and challenging.

The ceremony witnessed the exchange of the MoU between UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, and Grab Malaysia's Director of Government Relations and Policy, Ebi Azly Abdullah.

This strategic collaboration offers the opportunity for workers active in the gig economy to participate in training and development programmes provided by UMPSA through UMPSA Advanced, a subsidiary of UMPSA with extensive experience in lifelong learning programmes and training, having successfully produced thousands of graduates and trainees.

Many gig workers do not pursue higher education due to various factors, including financial constraints, and opt for gig jobs as they offer promising returns, especially for those entering adulthood.

Observations show that the informal economy plays a crucial role in today's world. Whether through part-time work, freelance gigs, or platform-based jobs, it serves as a safety net, providing household income.

Flexible work and study opportunities are essential for opening income avenues for this group, leading to educational accreditation that enhances gig workers' employment prospects.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie emphasized the increasing emphasis on improving skills among gig workers in Malaysia, expressing hope that this collaboration would positively impact the development of the gig economy ecosystem in the country.

"Therefore, UMPSA and its subsidiary, UMPSA Advanced, will collaborate to offer more flexible courses and competency-based training to Grab Partners. 

"Through these courses and training, gig workers will gain access to micro-credential courses suitable for those unable to attend conventional training.

"With acquired qualifications and competencies, gig workers can access jobs that improve their living standards and socioeconomics," he added, highlighting the potential to enhance their marketability and support the rapid growth of Malaysia's gig industry.

He further noted that the collaboration between UMPSA and Grab could foster partnerships between multinational companies and the expertise of local universities at the international level.

“I believe that a good relationship between universities and industry can boost the transformation of education towards being more flexible in line with the changing times, addressing socioeconomic gaps, building a more competitive society, while also supporting the development of a civilized nation.

"Meanwhile, for Ebi Azly, the collaboration with UMPSA in introducing this flexible academic programme and curriculum provides an opportunity for fellow Grab drivers and dispatchers to obtain higher education accreditation towards a more stable career opportunity for them. 

"This collaboration enables Grab drivers and dispatchers nationwide to engage in various training and development programmes offered by UMPSA through UMPSA Advanced.

"Indeed, this is also one of Grab's initiatives, under the GrabBenefits programme,” he explained.

GrabBenefits is a programme aimed at safeguarding the welfare of Grab drivers and delivery partners introduced in 2017, and since its inception, GrabBenefits has progressed significantly, providing various benefits to drivers and delivery partners involving three main cores, namely Protection, Savings, and Academy.

The ceremony also saw the presence of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman; and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Centre for Industry and Community Linkages), Professor Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim.

Also present were the Acting Chief Executive Officer of UMPSA Advanced Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Ahmad Johari Mohamad, and Director, Center for Advanced Industrial Technology, Ts. Dr. Nasrul Hadi Johari.

By: Nur Ainaa Adherena Muhammad Syukri, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)