In today's swiftly changing landscape, companies across sectors are experiencing an increasing demand for skilled talent. According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta), Penang alone faces a shortfall of 50,000 engineers needed to sustain its burgeoning semiconductor industry. This talent scarcity impedes not only corporate growth but also national economic expansion.
Commenting on the skilled talent gap, Eugene Quah, Country President for Malaysia of Schneider Electric, emphasised, "Addressing the talent gap requires a strategic and inclusive approach that caters to both fresh talent and the existing workforce. That's why fostering partnerships between businesses and universities is critical, as these collaborations equip all generations with enhanced learning, upskilling, and continuous development opportunities. This cultivates a culture of lifelong learning, which is crucial for preparing talents to meet the evolving demands of the business landscape. Such an approach ensures that talents across all generations can effectively contribute to their fields."
In a move aligned with its long-term sustainability commitment to harnessing the power of all generations, Schneider Electric has partnered with INTI International University & Colleges. This collaboration is designed to boost INTI students' employability and support professional growth for Schneider Electric employees, reflecting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) 4 and 8, which champion inclusive, quality education and sustained economic growth.
The partnership will leverage Schneider Electric’s Next Gen Programs—including the Schneider Internship Program, Schneider Graduate Program, Schneider Global Student Experience, and Schneider Go Green competition — to equip students with practical, hands-on work experiences.
Eugene also explained "Through strategic alliances like the one we formed with INTI, we are able to drive the readiness of future workforces by bridging the academic and industry divide as well as providing students a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings."
“Beyond providing real-world exposure for students, we believe that by merging fresh insights from them with the seasoned expertise of our current workforce, we can create an environment conducive to innovation. This dynamic exchange of ideas and practices is crucial for driving business adaptability," he added.
Conversely, INTI is offering Schneider Electric employees’ access to its Programmes for Working Professionals at preferential rates in this partnership. This initiative can serve as an effective pathway to encourage the current workforce to upskill and enhance their capabilities, ensuring they remain agile and well-equipped to meet evolving industry demands. Such efforts are critical for advancing industry standards and promoting continuous improvement.
Echoing the sentiments, Chong Kok Wai, CEO of INTI International University & Colleges, remarked, "We believe that upskilling is not just an investment in individual careers; it is essential for elevating industry standards and sustaining business growth. Through university-business partnerships, we are equipping both our existing workforce and future talents with the necessary skills to thrive and help narrow the talent shortage gap."
"Initiatives like these serve as a blueprint to mitigate the skilled talent gap. By fostering a collaborative environment between academia and industry, we create a pipeline of well-prepared professionals ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges. Such partnerships are vital for ensuring that the workforce evolves together, securing a competitive edge in the global market," he added.
