KUALA LUMPUR: The National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) has announced the launch of the Pikom Industry Internship Program, a new initiative to bridge the skills gap in the digital industry.
The program will initially start off from June 2023 with Nottingham University, Help University and Sunway University, with plans to invite more IHLs (Institutions of Higher Learning) later in the year. It will provide participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the tech industry through a paid internship at a participating PIKOM member company.
"The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Malaysia, and there is a growing demand for skilled tech workers," said Ong Chin Seong, Chairman of Pikom. "The Pikom Industry Internship Program is a structured program that will help to bridge the skills gap by providing students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry."
The program will run for a period of twelve weeks, and participants will be assigned to a mentor who will help guide them to develop their skills and knowledge. Participants will also be given the opportunity to network with other tech professionals.
"We are confident that the Pikom Industry Internship Program will be a valuable experience for students and will help them to develop the skills they need to succeed in the tech industry," said Ong.
Also in the pipeline is an apprenticeship program for graduates in partnership with LGMS Berhad for Cybersecurity and HT Consulting (Asia) Sdn. Bhd. for software development. The program enrolment will be expanded with support from A.P. EMCO Executives Sdn. Bhd. and Talent in Motion Sdn. Bhd. (kabel.my). – Bernama