INTI and MRCA Collaborate for Enhanced Practical Learning

Bridging the Academic-Industry Divide for Enhanced Learning and Opportunities

The recent collaboration between INTI International University & Colleges (INTI) and the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) signals an exciting leap forward, directly addressing the retail industry's rapidly changing demands, especially in areas like digital marketing and supply chain logistics.

This partnership, forged during a Memorandum of Understanding ceremony at INTI, is set to transform how educational institutions and industry leaders connect, providing students with critical real-world skills and sharp business acumen.

Datuk Dr. Ken Phua, President of MRCA, and Dr. Chong Kok Wai, CEO of INTI, shared their visions for this groundbreaking initiative. “Our aim is clear—to make learning more applicable to the professional world, ensuring the students are not only knowledgeable but also ready to tackle the challenges of the retail sector,” said Phua.

"This collaboration is unique as it encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives designed to provide practical benefits to students. These include HRDF-approved training programs, mentorship roles by MRCA members, and opportunities for students to participate in industry-driven research projects. Such a hands-on approach promises to give students the tools they need to succeed in a competitive business environment.

"We're committed to offering better academic offerings and including short courses and micro-credentials that directly meet current industry demands," he said, adding that the plan also includes possible engagements in joint research projects and shaping academic strategies to bolster their mission further.

"This is more than just an academic exercise; it's a profound commitment to our students' future," Chong remarked. He highlighted the invaluable benefit of bringing seasoned professionals directly into classrooms, which provides students with unmatched real-world business insights.

Moreover, this partnership is about rethinking how we approach education and business—making innovation more practical, businesses more adaptable, and equipping individuals with essential skills to thrive in a fast-paced world. "I am excited to see the impact of our collaboration and what we can achieve together," added Chong.

This initiative indicates a shift towards more integrated learning experiences and mirrors a broader recognition within academia and industry of the need to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape. Chong also said that INTI's recent rise in the QS Asia University ranking to 170 and its current QS World University ranking at 560 is evidence of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and strong industry connections.

The collaboration between INTI and MRCA is more than a partnership; it's a visionary redefinition of how education can and should respond to the needs of the modern workforce. It's an exciting time for students at INTI, who now have front-row seats for industry-focused education's future.

With a legacy spanning more than 35 years in nurturing and shaping young talents, INTI stands as a pillar in Malaysia's private higher education sector. The institution has an alumni network of over 86,000 graduates whose successful careers are a testament to INTI’s commitment to providing quality education.

Chong Kok Wai (second from left) shaking the hand of Datuk Ken Phua after the MoU signing at Inti International University, flanked by Shamsul Nahar Abdullah (far left) and Cassandra Chan (far right). Photo courtesy of Inti