Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Launches IMPACT Transcript To Bridge Skills Gap

Find out how this programme enhances emotional intelligence and professional skills.

Published 04 Sep 2024

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Youth skills mismatch is a pressing concern that affects numerous economies and communities globally. This issue is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where the unemployment rate for youths aged 15 to 25 is notably high at 10.6% compared to the overall unemployment rate at 3.3%.

Recognising this, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia has implemented a purpose-driven education approach through its EmPOWER Programme to enhance emotional intelligence and professional skills among students.

Structured around six core domains — including Global Citizenship, Emotional Intelligence, and Employability — students participate in projects that involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs), giving them a sense of purpose and demonstrating how education can be a catalyst for meaningful community engagement.

Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, stressed the importance of evolving education to tackle key issues, stating, “Education must evolve to prepare young people not only for economic participation but also for contributing to peace and sustainable development.”

Since its inception in 2017, the EmPOWER programme has resulted in many successful student-led projects, from tackling food waste issues and helping underprivileged children with their studies to saving our Malaysian turtles.

This year, the university launched its IMPACT Transcript initiative that celebrates the students’ multifaceted achievements beyond conventional academic success. The transcript chronicles their journey through the EmPOWER programme, which fosters leadership, innovation and civic responsibility across four levels: Watt, Kilowatt, Megawatt and Gigawatt. It also highlights their engagement in community service, NGO collaborations and research projects, showcasing their personal and professional growth.

The university’s EmPOWER Programme and IMPACT Transcript reaffirm Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s commitment to developing global purpose-driven leaders equipped with the skills to lead with purpose and integrity.