SDS Hosts 2nd Lecture Series: Bridging Chasm Between Academic Knowledge and Industry Requirements

With a focus on igniting fresh perspectives and fostering meaningful connections, Sunway Diploma Studies (SDS) recently hosted a remarkable event ‘Insights Unlocked: Converging Industry, Career and Academic Prowess.’ The event saw a collaborative effort between industry experts, senior academicians, and former interns bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.

This eagerly anticipated sequel to the SDS Lecture Series invited a few notable speakers including a Cybersecurity Analyst from Delta Spike Asia, Kishenthiran Arikrishnan, a Country Manager of eCloudValley, Chong Li Sheng, Head of Programme for Diploma in Information Technology and Computer Science as well as the Chair for Industry and External Engagement, Nicholas Jeremy, Senior Lecturer of SDS, Anita Paul, SDS’s alumni, Brendan Goh, and a Quality Assurance Tester at Supply Cart, Tye Khan Ren.

The event was divided into three insightful sessions: each tackling a different theme. The first session, ‘Career Launchpad: Decoding the Internship Readiness Formula,’ kicked off with a captivating video, showcasing how faculty members infuse work-ready skills in their modules and assessments. Industry experts, Kishenthiran and Chong then highlighted the importance of aligning employability with academic programme delivery to provide students with genuine industrial exposure during their course of study in SDS.

Complementing the focus on employability, Anita emphasised the significance of the subject integration effort by SDS which involves aligning the curriculum with social enterprise collaborations, ensuring that students' academic studies are directly relevant to the practical experiences they gain. The combined emphasis on employability and subject integration through social enterprise collaborations aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for a successful transition into the workforce.

On the other hand, the 'From Problem to Prototype: Project Runway,' session was an exciting display of student-led projects driven by industry needs. Panellists discussed how students translated theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, showcasing their ability to contribute valuable insights. The panellists also shared perspectives on how students applied theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and contributed valuable solutions. SDS alumni, Brendan and Tye Khan Ren presented the details of their projects during the session.

Kishenthiran from Delta Spike commended the development process and outcomes of these projects, highlighting the importance of innovation in addressing industry challenges. He, along with Chong, emphasised the significance of demonstrating skills through actions rather than just discussing them. The session highlighted the practical application of knowledge in solving real-world problems, showcasing the value of hands-on experience and innovation in meeting industry demands. Demonstrating skills through tangible outcomes is crucial for students aiming to make a meaningful impact in the professional world.

The final session, ‘Real Deal: Industry Insights and Practical Initiatives,’ offered a unique opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the realities of the workplace. It focused on the importance of maintaining a strong industry presence within campus learning landscapes, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of industry needs and expectations. The panellists managed to emphasise the importance of having the right attitude for the workplace and the need to be ‘hungry to learn.’

The event concluded with a lively Question and Answer (Q&A) session where industry panellists and SDS alumni satisfied the curiosity from the audience, addressing concerns and expectations related to internships. The event was a resounding success in fostering collaboration and support between SDS and external stakeholders, demonstrating the institution's unwavering commitment to delivering industry-driven programmes that shape the future of its students.

This article is written by the lecturers of SDS, Anita Paul and Shangeetha Rajmohan.