The IT landscape is continuously evolving, necessitating a dynamic approach to education that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry practices.
To this end, the Persatuan Teknologi Maklumat (PERTEKMA) has been instrumental in facilitating this connection through various initiatives, particularly the highly anticipated Immersive IT Week.
This article delves into the essence of PERTEKMA, its initiatives for the current semester, and the impactful experiences of students who participated in the programs.
This year IT Week was directed by Avinaash Loganathan a second-year computational science student with the support of 25 other members of the PERTEKMA committee.
His leadership and vision played a crucial role in the successful execution of the programs, ensuring that they met the high standards set by PERTEKMA and catered to the diverse needs of the students.
For the first time, IT Week 2024 spanned over a period of more than a week, taking place from May 18th to May 29th, 2024.
This extended schedule enabled a diverse range of activities, from interactive events to industry engagements, providing students with ample opportunities to engage with industry experts and participate in handson learning experiences.
Established in 1997, PERTEKMA has a rich history of fostering a vibrant IT community within UNIMAS.
Over the years, it has evolved to accommodate the changing needs of the IT industry, continuously updating its programs to ensure students receive relevant and contemporary knowledge.
The society’s commitment to excellence has made it a cornerstone of the university’s IT faculty.
Lecturers play a crucial role in PERTEKMA, offering their expertise and guidance to ensure the success of the society’s initiatives.
They act as advisors, helping to design programs that are both educational and engaging. Students, on the other hand, are the lifeblood of PERTEKMA.
Their enthusiasm and participation drive the society’s activities, making it a thriving community of future IT professionals.
In addition, two lecturers were involved in our annual IT week. Prof. Dr Jane Labadin was one of the voices of the ‘’Geo & Tech Forum: How Can We Use Digital Technology to Enhance the Experience at the Sarawak Delta Geopark’’ whilst Associate Prof. Dr Johari bin Abdullah was the moderator of our ‘’TechTalk: Navigating Careers in IT’’ furthermore, he was a speaker for the programme Hack-Proof Your Life.
Collaboration is key to PERTEKMA’s success. The society works closely with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions to provide a holistic learning experience.
Notable collaborators include the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which has been a consistent supporter of PERTEKMA’s initiatives. Mr Nick Hishamuddin Bin Nik Mohd Yusoff from MDEC was a keynote speaker for the program “International STEM ConnectHER”, and a speaker of the program ‘’TechTalk: Navigating Careers in IT’’. His contribution was definitely very beneficial for the students who attended his talk.
This semester, PERTEKMA has outdone itself by organizing a total of 13 programs, each designed to cater to different aspects of IT education and professional development.
These programs are spread across various communities within PERTEKMA, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to benefit from them.
The communities range from software development and cybersecurity to data science and artificial intelligence.
PERTEKMA has successfully garnered the participation of several key players in the IT industry. MDEC has been particularly involved, with representatives such as Mr Nick Hishamuddin Bin Nik Mohd Yusoff attending the programs.
Additionally, Ms Nadya Subramaniam from The Asia Foundation, Ms Valarie from Amazon Web Service (AWS) Singapore, Gizmo Arena, Cytron, Mr Leong Yong Sheng from Telebort Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Madam Lisa Chan Ching Yi from PETRONAS Digital, Madam Abby Sie from Sarawak Energy Berhad, Mr. Ahmad Lokman Zabri Human Resources Manager at PETRONAS Sdn. Bhd, Mr. Jeffery Ngui Voon Chiang from Life Event Borneo, Ms. Sophia Sik Sze Yong from Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Borneo Medical Centre (BMC), SAINS Sdn. Bhd., One or Zero Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and MEO Design Studio have all participated.
Their presence not only validates the importance of PERTEKMA’s initiatives but also provides students with invaluable insights into the industry.
PERTEKMA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of IT students at UNIMAS. Through its well-thought-out initiatives and robust collaborations with industry practitioners, the society ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students underscores the importance of such programs in bridging the gap between academia and the IT industry.
As PERTEKMA moves forward, it remains committed to providing enriching experiences that prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic field of information technology.
:: FCSIT is one of the Premier Digital Tech Institutions endorsed by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) :: #mypdti