Page 4 - SOHK

FOREWORD BY DIRECTOR, CENTRE FOR UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY
COLLABORATION (CUIC), UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and good day.

School of Hard Knocks (SoHK) is a novel avenue for collaboration between UUM and the indus-
try for upskilling and reshaping the paradigm of UUM students for the new world. This new
method provides a close venture between UUM and industry players, which are the ‘industry
faculties’ that develop talents and skills of UUM students to continue being relevant in the
current norms.

The implementation of SoHK requires five (5) main steps. The first step starts with the selection
of the Padawans in which a call for Padawans will be released to UUM students in semester 4
or 5. Then, the Padawans need to undergo a two-stage selection process that will be jointly
organised by CUIC UUM and the industry.

Secondly, the industry will develop the content based on the industry-specific needs and decide
the Padawan requirements. At this point, CUIC will assist in ensuring the governance and
assessment requirements are met.

In the next step, the Padawans will undergo at least six trainings or engagements with their
industry Jedi for 2 semesters or 1 year. Subsequently, in step 4, the Padawans need to attend all
the sessions and they will be evaluated by the industry. Finally, the Padawans who successfully
complete the SoHK term will be awarded with a Certificate of Recognition by the respective
industry.

We hope, more industries will be joining the programme in the future for the sake of
guiding students of the ‘New World’ in terms of undertaking practicum as well as
preparing them for future professional development. The benefits of SoHK will
strengthen the relationship between UUM and the industry for further
collaboration and partnership.

Thank you.

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