UPTM Launches EMP To Enhance Leadership, Professional Talent Development

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) today launched an  Executive Management Programme (EMP) as a strategic initiative to enhance the development of national leadership and professional talent, in line with industry needs and the increasingly dynamic global economic landscape.

In a statement today, UPTM said the programme was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in conjunction with the 60th anniversary celebration of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

“EMP is an initiative inspired by the Deputy Prime Minister and is seen as a proactive step to bridge the gap between academia and industry, while ensuring the local workforce remains relevant, competitive and prepared to face future economic challenges.

“In this context, UPTM is viewed as a leader and ‘game changer’ in developing the national talent ecosystem, as well as serving as a focal point for industry through the implementation of high-impact programmes,” the statement said.

According to UPTM, the programme comprises two main components, namely EMP Protege and EMP Professional, tailored according to participants’ experience levels and needs.

The institution said EMP Protege focuses on fresh graduates and bachelor’s degree holders, emphasising the development of practical skills including leadership, effective communication and strategic thinking through experiential learning approaches.

The 12-week programme includes exposure to real business challenges, applied case studies and the implementation of collaborative projects reflecting current industry scenarios, as well as key elements such as governance, human resource management, financial literacy, innovation, digital transformation and negotiation skills.

Meanwhile, UPTM said EMP Professional is specially designed for professionals seeking to strengthen leadership and management capabilities within a short period, delivered over four days in a hybrid format involving online sessions, face-to-face workshops, group projects and mentorship by industry experts.

The programme modules cover six key areas, namely strategic leadership, governance, human resource management, finance, digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI), negotiation skills, as well as ethics and accountability, before concluding with an organisational impact project that adds value to participants’ institutions or companies.

“To ensure effective implementation, UPTM has also established strategic collaborations with various industry partners including MBSB, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Dell Technologies, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) and OpenLearning,” the statement said.

At the same time, the university is strengthening its academic offerings through degree and postgraduate programmes integrated with internationally recognised professional certifications such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), SAS Institute and Google to enhance graduate employability.

The statement added that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnership for the Goals, supporting MARA’s mission to position UPTM as an academic and talent development hub that meets the needs of the nation’s industries.

-- BERNAMA