CelcomDigi and HELP University Partner to Accelerate Industry-Ready Talent Development

PETALING JAYA, 28 August
2026 – CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) and HELP
University will collaborate to develop high-potential Malaysian students into
future digital talent through work-based learning, industry mentorship and
experiential learning opportunities. By bringing together academic knowledge
and practical industry experience, the collaboration aims to strengthen
industry relevance in higher education and support the development of a
future-ready talent pipeline for Malaysia.

A key focus of the
collaboration is the development of Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for
eligible HELP University students across different years and levels of study.
Through exposure to real business projects and genuine work environments,
students will have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge while
gaining valuable insights into the telecommunications and technology sector.

The partnership will
also explore corporate and industry mentorship opportunities by connecting
students with experienced CelcomDigi professionals to deepen their
understanding of workplace expectations and guide them towards making informed
career decisions.

Both organisations will
explore pathways aligned with the 2U1I nomenclature – “2 Years University-Based
Learning, 1 Year Industry-Based Learning” – creating a structured framework for
students to complement their academic years with hands-on industry exposure and
strengthen their readiness for the workforce.

For HELP University,
the partnership forms part of its wider commitment to delivering an education
that combines academic rigour with meaningful industry exposure, ensuring that
students are equipped not only with qualifications, but with the knowledge, experience
and professional capabilities required to navigate the future of work. 

Driving AI Leadership
and Innovation

A significant area of the collaboration is AI leadership and innovation.
The parties intend to collaborate through an AI Hub at HELP University,
bringing academia and industry together in areas such as applied AI projects,
research and innovation, industry engagement, capability and talent
development, and knowledge exchange in artificial intelligence and other
emerging technologies.

“The future of
tertiary education lies in bringing the classroom and the workplace closer
together. Universities have an important role to play not only in providing
students with a strong academic foundation, but also in ensuring that they
understand how that knowledge is applied in the real world,” said Dr Goh
Chee Leong, Group Co-CEO (Tertiary), HELP Education Group.

He added, “Our
collaboration with CelcomDigi gives our students the opportunity to experience
that environment before they graduate. Through the unique 2 Years
University-Based Learning, 1 Year Industry-Based Learning model, they will be
able to develop their capabilities in an industry setting, learn from
professionals and gain a clearer understanding of what will be expected of them
as they enter the workforce.”

“Continued economic growth for the country will require a strong
pipeline of talent equipped with both technical knowledge and practical
understanding of how businesses operate and innovate. Closer engagement between
academia and industry can help create richer learning experiences that better
prepare students for the realities of the modern workplace,” said Azmi
Ujang, CelcomDigi’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Beyond academic
achievement, employers increasingly value adaptability, problem-solving and the
ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings. Through this partnership, we
hope to broaden opportunities for students to develop these qualities, strengthening
graduate employability while supporting the talent needs of Malaysia’s evolving
digital economy,” he added.

In addition to the
WBL programme, the partnership will also broaden access to education and
lifelong learning opportunities for CelcomDigi employees and their children. As
part of this effort, HELP University will offer a range of learning programmes,
including short courses, micro-credentials, executive education, customised
programmes and professional certifications, encompassing both credit-bearing
and non-credit-bearing options.

Together, the various
areas of collaboration establish a broad structure for CelcomDigi and HELP
University to enhance engagement between academia and industry – from students
beginning their educational journeys to working professionals seeking to
develop new capabilities throughout their careers.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES