Broad smiles: (From left) Cheng, Assoc Prof Dr Thang Ka Fei, Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Prof Ho, Prof Dr Murali Raman, Tan, Lai and Chang.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) achieved a milestone by bagging the highest number of accolades at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI) Outstanding Awards 2023.
The varsity won five awards at the ceremony held at a hotel in Putrajaya on March 21.
The APU School of Computing (SOC), which collaborated with some 11 key industry players in the computing, technology and game development sectors throughout last year, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Faculty Award in the University Category, which included 42 faculties and schools across 24 public and private higher education institutions specialising in digital tech education in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, in the Outstanding Faculty Members Category, APU School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) lecturer Jack Lai Yong Geat won third place.
In the Outstanding Student Category, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Games Development student Nixon Cheng Yi Heng won first place; with Cyber Security student Chang Shiau Huei and Information Systems Security graduate Loh Kae Shyan taking home the second and consolation prizes, respectively.
Since 2017, MDEC, with the support of the Higher Education Ministry, has spearheaded the PDTI initiative to bolster Malaysia’s digital tech industry.
APU was among the PDTI pioneer members appointed to be the bridge between industry demand and local talent supply, playing a pivotal role in nurturing highly skilled professionals for the digital economy.
Held annually, the PDTI Outstanding Awards recognise institutions’ and individuals’ outstanding contributions and advancements.
SOC head Assoc Prof Dr Tan Chin Ike said winning the Outstanding Faculty Award is proof that the school is meeting the evolving needs of industry and society by nurturing and creating innovative talents in the computing and creative technology spaces.
“The PDTI initiative aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of job-ready graduates capable of meeting industry demands, a mission APU has excelled in for over 30 years.
“We do not merely produce graduates but rather cultivate talents who offer top-notch value to the industry,” he said, adding that the varsity inculcates a habit of excellence among its staff and students.
APU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan said the varsity’s priority is to provide the best possible tertiary experience and the most practical industry knowledge and skills for its students.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh said as part of the MDEC premier digital tech ecosystem, APU collaborates with key stakeholders in prioritising student transformation into highly employable, competent and future-proof professionals.
“Our key industrial partners provide our academic staff with valuable insights into industry practices, which are then embedded into our curriculum.
“The remarkable achievements by our faculty and students in 2023 truly fill us with pride.”
