Penang, 15 May 2025 – A powerful new collaboration between academia and the private sector is set to energize the Southeast Asian business landscape.
UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, in partnership with The Image Creator Sdn Bhd (TIC) and Beyond Innovative Resources Sdn Bhd (BEYOND), has launched the High-Impact Business Acceleration Model (HIBAM), a dynamic program engineered to drive innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth among entrepreneurs and corporate innovators in the region.
Held at the UOW Malaysia Batu Kawan Campus, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marked a pivotal milestone. Industry leaders, academics, and corporate representatives gathered to witness the launch of an initiative set to redefine business education and acceleration strategies in Asia.
Highlights
A Vision for Growth: Collaboration Meets Impact
“We are thrilled to support this program, which strongly aligns with UOW Malaysia’s mission to deliver industry-relevant education and empower talent in the region,” said Professor Dr. Chong Beng Keok, Vice-Chancellor of UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College.
At the core of HIBAM is a hybrid model blending targeted mentorship, cross-sector collaboration, and experiential learning. The initiative aims to cultivate forward-thinking business leaders and equip them with real-world insights and frameworks to thrive in Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies.
Regional Voices, Global Perspective
Mr. Liu Zhen Hua, Chairman of the China Enterprises Association Northern Malaysia, elevated the event by highlighting the value of collaborative innovation in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape.
His keynote highlighted the regional appetite for programs that fuse academic rigor with practical entrepreneurial solutions.
In a stirring address, Professor Dr. Hooy Chee Wooi of Universiti Sains Malaysia unpacked the challenges and opportunities shaping Asia’s business future—from AI adoption and ESG mandates to cross-border talent mobility and startup scalability.
Steering the Future of Business Excellence
Dr. Wendy Liew, Organising Chair of HIBAM and Managing Director of The Image Creator Sdn Bhd, shared the significance of this cross-industry initiative:
“This partnership, born from months of collaboration, represents our shared aspiration to raise the bar for business excellence across Southeast Asia.”
Adding to this, Mr. Liu reiterated how HIBAM’s strategic curriculum and real-world engagement model would enable growth-stage companies and established corporates alike to accelerate their innovation journeys and meet sustainability goals.
A Regional Alliance with Global Reach
The MoU ceremony wasn’t just a local affair, it brought together regional players from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, further underlining the ASEAN-wide ambitions of HIBAM. Distinguished attendees included:
- Dr. Andrea Chow, CEO of ACETS Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)
- Mr. Krishna Hasudungan Ramadan, CEO of RIS Consulting (Jakarta)
- Ms. Agnes Loh, COO of 1% Training Solutions Sdn Bhd
Their presence reaffirmed the model’s cross-border scalability and appeal in nurturing innovation ecosystems throughout Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia: The Pulse of Business Transformation
HIBAM’s launch sends a clear message: Asia is leading the future of business innovation, leadership, and transformation—beyond traditional Western hubs. It’s happening here—in the heart of Southeast Asia—where diverse markets, cultural dynamism, and digital acceleration converge to create a fertile ground for bold ideas and meaningful impact.
With its unique blend of academic excellence, cross-sector collaboration, and regional inclusivity, HIBAM is more than just a program, it’s a community with a purpose. One that positions cities like Penang, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, and Phnom Penh not just as participants, but as leaders in shaping tomorrow’s global economy.
About UOW Malaysia: A Global Legacy, Local Impact
UOW Malaysia, part of the global University of Wollongong (UOW) Australia network, is a well-established education hub committed to producing career-ready graduates. Since 2018, UOW Malaysia has built on KDU’s legacy with new global partnerships, cutting-edge campuses, and programs spanning Business, Engineering, Creative Arts, and more.
Through initiatives like HIBAM, UOW Malaysia continues to champion industry-focused education that equips graduates with both local insights and global mindsets.
Contact UOW Malaysia for more details:
📍 Ms. Anna Lim
📧 anna.lim@uow.edu.my
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here.
