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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and the Project Management Institute Malaysia Chapter (PMIMY) have strengthened their long-standing relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing project management education and professional development in Malaysia. 

The signing ceremony took place on 16 May 2026 at APU’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, following PMIMY’s 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The MoU was officiated by Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, and Mr Francis Koh, Immediate Past President of PMIMY, marking a new chapter in a partnership that traces its roots back to the 1990s.

Witnessing the signing were PMIMY’s newly elected President, Mr Zaharuddin Jaafar, and APU’s Senior Head of the School of Technology (SoT), Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei. 

The collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the importance of project management as a critical skill in today’s fast-changing and technology-driven world. As organisations increasingly rely on structured planning, teamwork, and strategic execution to achieve their goals, the demand for professionals with strong project management capabilities continues to rise across industries.

In his welcome address, Prof Ho highlighted the value of close collaboration between academia and industry in preparing graduates for the realities of the modern workplace. 

He noted that beyond technical expertise, future graduates must possess leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills to thrive in increasingly complex professional environments. Partnerships such as this provide students with opportunities to gain industry insights, build professional networks, and develop competencies that complement their academic learning.

Mr Zaharuddin echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among academia, industry, and government to cultivate future-ready talent and strengthen Malaysia’s project management ecosystem. 

He also commended APU for establishing a PMI Chapter Student Club, describing it as a meaningful initiative that helps nurture student leadership, professional competencies, and industry engagement from an early stage. Such platforms enable students to connect with practitioners, participate in professional activities, and gain exposure to globally recognised project management practices. 

Founded in 1994, the Project Management Institute Malaysia Chapter (PMIMY) is a chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading professional association serving millions of project professionals and changemakers worldwide. PMI is widely recognised as the global authority on project management, empowering individuals and organisations through advocacy, networking, collaboration, research, and education.

Under the MoU, APU and PMIMY will collaborate in areas including knowledge and technology sharing, student internships, academic and professional mobility, as well as project management development initiatives. These efforts will create valuable opportunities for students and academics to engage directly with industry practitioners and gain practical exposure to real-world challenges. 

By bridging classroom learning with professional practice, the collaboration will help students develop the confidence, skills, and networks needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

As industries continue to transform through digitalisation and innovation, both APU and PMIMY remain committed to nurturing competent, innovative, and future-ready professionals who can lead projects, drive change, and turn ideas into meaningful impact. Through this strengthened alliance, both institutions reaffirm their dedication to developing the next generation of project leaders for Malaysia and beyond.