APU Collabs With The Department Of Statistics Malaysia For Driving Data Studies

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its 22nd university partner - Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), in driving data mining, data analysis and data analytics training among academicians and students. 

Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin (3rd from left) is exchanging the signed MoU with Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Kuan (2nd from right), witnessed by Nazaria Baharudin (left) and Prof. Dr. Vinesh Thirichelvam (right).

The signing ceremony was held on 6th July on APU’s campus situated at Bukit Jalil and was signed by the Chief Statistician Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, and the Vice-Chancellor of APU, Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, witnessed by senior officials from both institutions. 

Through this MoU, DOSM and APU agreed to the sharing of data analysis, research sharing analysis results and new findings. 

This MoU also implements collaboration in the areas of statistics research and knowledge exchange, information supply, storage, exchange, and improvement of official information as required mutually agreed upon and allowed by the law.

Besides, this collaboration will also produce subject matter experts for both parties to satisfy the current and future needs for data by using the latest statistical techniques, the application of data science and analytics and other innovative approaches. 

“For the aspiration of new knowledge, experience, expertise and research, this collaboration signifies a smart partnership between both parties. DOSM will provide selected micro datasets for research purposes and the development of new knowledge among the APU community.

“Hopefully, the academics and students will make full use of this data to enhance their skills in data mining using a large-scale dataset and therefore improving analytical capability as well as evidence-based decision making,” stated Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin during his speech. 

A thumbs-up for the formalised working ties between DOSM and APU, from left - Dr. Hari Narayanan, Zuraidy Hj Zainal Abidin, Nazaria Baharudin, Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Prof. Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, Prof. Dr. Vinesh Thirichelvam and Gurpardeep Singh.

Mr Gurpardeep Singh, APU’s Chief Operating Officer who delivered the welcome speech earlier said, “I understand that DOSM is in the process of establishing the National Big Data Analytics and Data Processing Centre, APU is very passionate about Big Data and we have launched the first Big Data or Data Science programme in Malaysia at the post-graduate level in 2015.

As we understand the biggest challenge for any analyst is about getting the right data, especially the authorised data, and there is no other better source than DOSM. We are thrilled to establish this relationship with DOSM, as we think we can go beyond getting data and contribute to the creation of predictive analytics for our decision-making on institutional as well as national levels,” concluded Gurpardeep. 

Also in attendance were – Puan Nazaria Baharudin, Deputy Chief Statistic (Technical Development & Social), DOSM; Encik Zuraidy Hj Zainal Abidin, Director, Malaysia Statistical Training Institute, DOSM; Dr. Hari Narayanan P. Ondiveeran, President, APU; Prof. Dr. Vinesh Thirichelvam, Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer, APU; and staff from both institutions.