TAR University College Recognised as the Industry Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Education

For over 4 decades, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR University College’) through its Faculty of Applied Sciences and Computing has forged synergistic linkages with many industry leaders to facilitate the transfer of latest knowledge and technology to the classroom with the aim of developing graduates who meet the needs of the industry.  The efforts in strengthening the employability of its ICT graduates have led TAR University College being recognised as the Industry Centre of Excellence (‘ICoE’) for Information and Communication Technology (‘ICT’) cluster by the Ministry of Education.  The recognition took place during the official ICoE launching event held on 24 October 2013 where the Deputy Minister of Education II, YB Tuan P. Kamalanathan conferred the ICoE certificate to Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, President of TAR University College.

The ICoE is a government-initiated programme for the purpose of human resource development that is specifically targeted at students in higher learning institutions in which they are trained by industry players in specific industry before graduation to increase the employability of students. This programme is developed to support the implementation of the Graduate Employability Blueprint.  Currently, there are 9 clusters under the ICoE programme, namely electronics, oil and gas, biotechnology, automotive, wholesale and retailing, construction, information and communications technology, hospitality and tourism, and healthcare, as defined under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs). 

TAR University College is one of the anchor universities in the ICoE ICT cluster since its initiation in the year 2012.  The Faculty of Applied Sciences and Computing has been working closely with Universiti Malaysia Pahang and IBM Malaysia in providing technical training for its ICT students.  Several IBM technologies are being embedded in the programme curriculum, including IBM Rational Software Architect, IBM Rational Application Developer, IBM DB2 and IBM Lotus Notes in the area of object-oriented analysis and design, web services, information management and workflow management in order to provide students with the in-demand knowledge and skills.

In addition to technical knowledge, the students are also imbibed with soft skills training.  The soft skills training are aimed at creating awareness among the students about the essential personal quality (e.g. commitment, integrity) that the industry is looking for in their employees.  With balanced emphasis in the development of technical and soft skills, the students will be well-equipped with the essential knowledge and competency that will give them the added edge in the marketplace and increase their employability.   For more information on TAR University College ICT or A level/Foundation programmes, please log on to http://www.tarc.edu.my or visit the University College’s Open Day at its KL Main Campus and branch campuses in Penang, Perak and Johor as well as faculty branches in Sabah and Pahang from 13-15 December 2013 (9.30am to 5.00pm), or the University College’s booths at all major education fairs.