IBM ENTERS INTO COLLABORATION WITH UNIMY

Global Technology Partner for Malaysia’s first university specialising in computer science and engineering education

PETALING JAYA, 6 February 2013 – IBM Malaysia has entered into collaboration with the University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering (UniMy), to establish a High Performance Computing Centre (HPCC) to benefit the next generation of ICT graduates through the sharing of skills, best practices, and knowledge.

Collaborating in multiple platforms, UniMy will work with IBM to define a training programme in computer modelling of nano materials, and provide training for UniMy post-doctoral researchers at the IBM research facilities in San Jose, USA. The  HPCC aimed at supporting research activities in various computational modelling including nanotechnology. The Centre will be supported by the IBM System x iDataPlex, the most advanced innovative integrated data centre solutions, and is scheduled to become operational by April 2013.

Setting a new standard of excellence in the Higher Education sector, UniMy is the first and only university in Malaysia to create a total ecosystem in ICT education working with world-class technology companies. The University will establish an Innovation and Commercialisation Centre to gather and advance ideas, people and funding all under one roof.

UniMmy was established in 2012 by Prestariang Education Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Main Market listed Prestariang Berhad. The University, located in Cyberjaya, is privately run and is classified as a more selective institution by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia, devoted to providing specialised computer science and engineering education in the country. The University aims to create computing professionals and talent in an effort to sustain Malaysia’s economic success.  This is in line with the New Economic Model and Higher Education Transformation Programme initiated by the Malaysian government in 2011.

"IBM is proud to be an industry partner with a university that shares the mutual goal of developing the next generation of ICT graduates, in line with the government’s focus on IT development. We are also looking forward to working with UniMy in providing the platform and resources to develop the HPCC that will provide vast benefits to the nation in the field of science and technology research and development, specifically in the field of nanotechnology. This is yet another testament to IBM's continuing commitment to work with the Malaysian Government and local businesses to foster innovation and help develop skills required to drive growth in the country, and we will continue to do the same in the future", said Ramanathan Sathiamutty, Managing Director, IBM Malaysia.

To help students prepare for the services-led economy of the 21st century, IBM is constantly working with the IT industry and universities. In 2012, IBM partnered with various corporations and local education institutions to engage future graduates, and gain insights into young minds. To date, the corporation has launched the IBM Academic Initiative On Campus with the Universiti Malaysia Pahang and the Tunku Abdul Rahman College; signed an agreement with INTI International University to run its Software Career Training Programme; and developed the country's first Executive MBA on Service Science Management and Engineering (SSME) alongside Universiti Sains Malaysia.