echo For people who are not familiar with ICAS’24, it stands for Intervarsity Corporate – Academic Symposium 2024! This annual event is organised by the Sunway Diploma Studies of the Sunway Education Group. With an aim to bridge the gap between academic institutions, the corporate world and industry leaders, ICAS’ 24 serves as a platform to cultivate many insightful dialogues, networkings, and industry-academia collaborations.
Intervarsity Corporate – Academic Symposium 2024
Source: Jimmy
Opening
On the 21st of September 2024, at 8:30 AM, some attendees can already be seen gathering outside of JC 2 at Sunway University, where savoury refreshments had been prepared by the ICAS’24 organising committee from Sunway Diploma Studies. It was a perfect and relaxed atmosphere, setting the stage for early networking opportunities.
Attendees networking
Source: Jimmy
By 9:00 AM, the attendees were provided with an e-manual to guide them through the event. The dynamic emcees from the Student LIFE department, Ms. Shazrina and Mr. Marvin, introduced ICAS 24’s supporting partners—the Sunway Business School, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), and Student LIFE—while also acknowledging the distinguished guests in attendance. Their introduction set a formal yet welcoming tone for the symposium, preparing the attendees for a day of insightful discussions and collaboration.
With that said, the event was officially launched at 9:30 AM with a welcoming address by Puan Norli, Director of Sunway Diploma Studies, followed by an opening speech from Professor Teoh Ee Sing, CEO of Sunway College Kuala Lumpur. Both speakers highlighted the essence, vision, and journey of ICAS, emphasising its core mission of fostering meaningful dialogue, discussions, and collaboration between academia and industry. Their speeches set the scene for an interesting and engaging opening ceremony, with several distinguished VIPs present on stage, symbolising the official launch of ICAS 24.
Opening Ceremony
Source: Jimmy
“Not a Trend, but a Demand”
What took place after was one of the most anticipated events of the day—a keynote session hosted by Professor Dr Dato’ Sri Idris Jala. His session focused on the critical topic of adapting university education to meet the ever-evolving demands of the modern workforce.
Professor Dr Dato’ Sri Idris Jala’s Keynote Session
Source: Jimmy
In his session, Professor Jala shed light on several key areas:
- AI & Automation: Professor Jala emphasised the growing influence of artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace, urging universities to equip students with the skills to work alongside these technologies rather than be replaced by them.
- Gig Economy: He also discussed the rise of the gig economy, explaining how short-term, flexible jobs are reshaping the traditional employment landscape. He called on educational institutions to prepare students for more dynamic, freelance-oriented career paths.
- Lifelong Learning: In a rapidly changing world, Professor Jala stressed the importance of lifelong learning, and how universities can offer platforms such as online learning & short-term programs to ensure continuous skill development.
- Winning & Collaborations: He then highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and stressed the need to foster a winning mindset among students to successfully navigate the complex, competitive job market.
- Increasingly Hyper-Competitive Work Environment: Lastly, he provided insights on the RBF (Big Fast Result), outlining a step-by-step methodology for RBF and how educational institutions can incorporate them in their courses.
All these insights were summed up in one key phrase: “It is not a trend, it is a demand!” Hence, universities should examine current employment demands and work trends, implementing radical changes in their curricula and teaching methods to better equip students with employability skills and the right mindsets.
Pedagogy Innovators Showcase Competition 2024
Another main highlight of the day was the Pedagogy Innovators Showcase Competition, where 12 groups of participants from different places were shortlisted for coming out with a variety of innovative teaching methods and solutions to enhance the educational landscape.
From Global Insights To Local Impact: Enhancing Education Through Practitioner-Led Webinars And Industry Collaboration (Booth 5)
Source: Jimmy
STEM Power-Up: A Scale-Up Pedagogy In Empowering Educators (Booth 8)
Source: Jimmy
An Innovative Pedagogical Model on Computational Thinking (Booth 9)
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In addition to that, these booths are all interactive, allowing attendees to engage with the projects firsthand and learn more about the driving concepts behind these fascinating presentations.
Attendees & Judges interacting with the Participants
Source: Jimmy
Nevertheless, a panel of 7 judges were also invited to evaluate these booths based on creativity, practicality, and impact.
Judges of Pedagogy Innovators Showcase Competition
Source: Jimmy
Thematic Tracks
Following the competition, the symposium shifted gears to the much-awaited thematic tracks, where attendees got to explore a broad range of topics, including the Industry-Academic Partnerships in Skills Development & Training to the Industry Revolutionary 5.0. These sessions were conducted by expert speakers such as Mr. Sreganesh Mani, the managing director of Elta Fans Malaysia Sdn Bhd. and Dr Azama Abdul Hamid, the CEO and learning strategist of Content Capital Sdn Bhd.
Elta Fans Sdn Bhd.
Source: https://www.eltafans.asia/
Content Capital Sdn Bhd.
Source: https://content-capital.com/
They led the sessions meticulously for attendees to engage in thought-provoking discussions and encourage active participation, where they could get fresh and hot answers right away
Attendee asking questions
Source: Jimmy
Panel Discussion
The symposium also featured an insightful panel discussion towards the end of the event. It was moderated by Mr. Eizaz Azhar, the Director of Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI). He led the conversation on what it takes to successfully break into the evolving industries of the future, emphasising the skills, adaptability, and mindset students need to navigate the rapidly changing workforce. The panel consisted of 4 distinguished speakers, each offering their expertise on key industry trends.
Moderator & Speakers
Source: Jimmy
The 4 distinguished panellist, pictured from the left to the right:
- Moderator: Eizaz Azhar, the Director of Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI).
- Speaker 1: Professor Lim Weng Marc, Distinguished Professor and Dean of Sunway Business School
- Speaker 2: Mr. Ts Koay, the Managing Director of Dell Technologies Malaysia
- Speaker 3: Mr. Zacharias Rajagopal, the Vice-President of Human Resources at Bumi Armada
- Speaker 4: Dr. Esther Loo, the Head of Organisational Design & Effectiveness at malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)
Key Takeaway
One of the highlights was Mr. Ts Koay’s presentation on Dell’s 30-year journey. He shared how the company evolved from manufacturing GPUs and AI servers to managing over 5,000 employees globally and expanding its data centres. He also introduced its innovative “hack-to-hire” process, replacing traditional interviews with challenges such as prompts, mentor observations, and prototype-building, which align more closely with modern tech hiring practices.
The discussion also touched on how academia must embrace these changes. Students need to learn how to effectively use AI, ask the right questions, and operate in uncertain situations to find solutions. Educators, like Professor Marc, emphasised the need to equip students with the right knowledge and tools to navigate rapidly trending technologies.
The topic of diversity also played a crucial role, with the panellists discussing the importance of cross-cultural management, where academia can foster an understanding of how to bring together different talents from different backgrounds, focusing on abilities and contributions. The conversation then shifted to cross-talent management, pointing out that networking and continuous upskilling are vital in today’s workforce. While AI and technology are significant, it is ultimately human potential and mobility within organisations that drive success.
Additional insights included tips on how to start a career in this competitive environment and the role of LinkedIn in building a professional presence. To stand out, they advised being authentic and original. They also discussed the balance between introverts and extroverts—introverts as thinkers and extroverts as speakers—encouraging individuals to find a balance that works for them.
Finally, the panel urged attendees to pace themselves, network effectively, flatten hierarchical structures, and seek out influential connections. They stressed the importance of staying resourceful, leveraging tools, information, and networks, and always staying up-to-date with industry trends, especially regarding AI innovations.
Conclusion
With that, the Intervarsity Corporate-Academia Symposium 2024 concluded on a high note. The event successfully brought together academic professionals, industry leaders, and students, fostering meaningful discussions, collaborations, and ideas. ICAS 24 served as an essential bridge between academic knowledge and real-world industry demands, highlighting the need for continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.
All the meaningful and engaging agendas sent attendees to explore the future of academia and the working industry. As the day came to an end, the attendees left not only with newfound knowledge and perspectives but also with valuable connections that will undoubtedly shape their future journeys, both academically and professionally.
ICAS’24 Group Photo
Source: Jimmy
ICAS’24 exemplified the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, proving that through dialogue and innovation, we can better prepare for the future workforce and create a dynamic environment that benefits both students and professionals.
The success of this event stands as a testament to the hard work of everyone from the organising committee, who together made ICAS’24 an unforgettable yet valuable experience that will leave a positive and permanent impact behind.
ICAS’24 Organising Committee Group Photo
Source: Jimmy
Written By: Jimmy
Edited By: Ashley
