AFFIN-UNIMAS apprenticeship programme for Sarawak students launched

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The AFFIN-Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) apprenticeship programme aims to recruit a minimum of 10 local students for its first cohort starting next year.

The programme, implemented through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), Affin Bank Group, and UNIMAS, will provide students with practical experience in the financial sector.

MEITD Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the collaboration is a significant step in enhancing the quality of education and preparing students to face career challenges.

He said the programme would offer students practical experience by allowing them to work with industry experts.

“This programme will also involve 70 per cent practical training at Affin Bank itself, with the remaining 30 per cent focusing on academics at UNIMAS.

“Therefore, this programme is specifically offered to local UNIMAS students or Sarawakian students,” he told the media after witnessing the signing ceremony of the MoU between MEITD, Affin Bank Group, and UNIMAS at DeTAR PUTRA, UNIMAS today.

The AFFIN-UNIMAS programme also has three main focuses: industry-academia collaboration, skills development, and career readiness.

It will integrate academic learning with practical industry experience to equip students with essential skills and knowledge required for a career in the financial sector.

By bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, the programme will empower students and enhance their employability in the banking industry.

Meanwhile, Affin Islamic Bank Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin said while the programme details are still being finalised, but it may be conducted for about two years.

“In the banking industry, we have various departments that we want to expose students to, giving them as much experience as possible.

“We are focusing on local students, and the list will also be provided by the ministry. For the first cohort, we aim to recruit a minimum of 10 students, starting next year,” he said.

The MoU was signed by Affin Bank Berhad Group chief people officer Dr Mohd Syukri Ahmad Sudari, MEITD permanent secretary Adana Jed and deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Fitri Suraya Mohamad, representing UNIMAS vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit.