Women in Tech (WIT) Malaysia and APU formalised a collaboration to close the gender gap in tech through joint digital training championing Quality Education (SDG 4), cybersecurity workshops backing Industry and Innovation (SDG 9), student internships fuelling Decent Work (SDG 8), and the WIT Champions mentorship programme supporting Gender Equality (SDG 5), all unified under Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) to empower women to thrive in the digital economy.

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Bridging the gender gap in Malaysia’s digital landscape received a powerful boost when Women in Tech (WIT) Malaysia — a dynamic local chapter of the global movement — officially joined forces with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). 

WIT is officially registered (headquartered in Paris) and operates as a non-profit organisation focused on closing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 

It partners with governments, academic institutions (like APU), and major bodies like the United Nations (UN Women). 

Through local chapters — such as WIT Malaysia — it acts as an active community platform providing women and girls with mentorship, digital skills training, networking events, and career pathways.

The two institutions formalised their strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 22 August 2026 at APU’s state-of-the-art campus at the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) Park in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

APU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan and WIT Country Director Malaysia and APAC Director Ms Yuki Aizawa sealed the agreement, setting the stage for a two-year journey of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. 

Rather than remaining a purely administrative document, the partnership rolled out a robust blueprint designed to connect academic learning directly with industry practice.

The scope of collaboration spans multiple exciting fronts, kicking off with joint digital upskilling training and workshops hosted right on APU’s campus.

APU also serves as a vibrant platform for WIT Malaysia to build visibility and engagement, while co-created cybersecurity awareness training is delivered directly through the Cyber Security Talent Zone (CSTZ) at APU. 

To supercharge career development, the initiative leverages WIT’s vast global network to open pathways for research, innovation, internships, and final-year projects. 

Furthermore, APU-led and external initiatives — such as mentoring sessions and Girls in STEM Day — benefit heavily from active WIT participation. Students and staff also step up through the WIT Champions programme, acting as volunteers and liaisons while learning directly from industry trailblazers and earning certificates of participation. 

Alongside these efforts, both organisations share a deep commitment to pursuing SDG-aligned research, consultancy opportunities, joint publications, and grants on a phased, project-by-project basis.

Every pillar of the agreement directly addresses critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The digital upskilling and training programmes champion Quality Education (SDG 4), while the core focus on empowering women and girls in technology — including through the WIT Champions and mentoring initiatives — directly supports Gender Equality (SDG 5). 

Additionally, the internships, final-year projects, and consultancy opportunities fuel Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), the cybersecurity capability-building and innovation-linked research back Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and the overarching academia-industry partnership embodies Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Bringing this ambitious collaboration to life required dedicated teamwork behind the scenes, including contributions from APU’s FinTech Academy, Driving Girls in Technology (DIGITGAL), School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), School of Psychology (SoP), School of Foundation (SoF), School of Technology (SoT), and School of Computing (SoC), among others.

The initiative was driven by Dr Meera Eeswaran, Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, Ms Vinorra Shaker, Dr Sarvinder Kaur, and key others, whose instrumental efforts turned a bold vision into a tangible reality.

Ultimately, the partnership marks a major milestone for both institutions. By equipping women and girls with the tools, networks, and confidence to thrive in the digital economy, APU and WIT Malaysia are not just closing the tech gender gap, but they are also actively shaping the future of the nation’s tech workforce.