MIRI: The School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently conducted a ‘Communication and Digital Marketing Upskilling Training’ course for 12 trainees at its campus.
The training was conducted in collaboration with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA).
SPACE is an appointed training provider for the RECODA ‘Train and Place’ programme which is part of RECODA’s EMPLOY@SCORE, a skills intervention programme that provides industry-driven job development and creates employment opportunities for Sarawakians in the SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy) region.
The course is one of several being conducted under the programme to get trainees job-ready for employment.
EMPLOY@SCORE is also aimed at enhancing the talent readiness of Sarawakians in facing job market challenges and economic conditions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing job placements for Sarawakians through collaborations with relevant industries, and identifying and bridging the skills gaps based on job market demand.
Conducted over six days, the course comprised two modules focusing on skills deemed essential in the workplace and business environments.
Module 1 helped the participants improve their English communication skills at the workplace and in the business context. They practised speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and underwent an assessment at the end of the module to test their competencies and mastery of the four skills.
Module 2, meanwhile, taught them technical skills in digital marketing, video production, design and branding, following which they had the chance to plan and execute digital marketing strategies for microbusiness.
Overall, the course developed their soft skills (teamwork, communication, time management, problem solving and creativity), which are highly required in the workplace.
Conducting the course were lecturers Adriel Junu and Dr Anita Jimmie, and Curtin Malaysia alumnus Owen Choo.
Choo, a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management graduate, is a paid advertising specialist with over six years’ experience in the digital marketing field. He is currently head of the marketing team at Horizn Digital, a creative digital marketing agency based in Miri.
Choo’s involvement as a trainer reflects a strong commitment of Curtin Malaysia’s alumni to stay connected with their alma mater, and leveraging their industry knowledge and experience, contribute to the development of the next generation of students and young talents in the community.
Director of SPACE Dr Fidella Tiew said while SPACE’s learner-centred programmes are taught by a team of highly-qualified academic staff, it is good to engage industry experts as well, especially if they happen to be Curtin alumni.
“Our programmes are specially designed and carefully organised to arouse intellectual curiosity, and transform careers. Our teaching staff are fully dedicated towards giving our students the best learning experience, applying a holistic approach to learning and teaching, and involving others from industry with significant industry experience in our programmes makes them all the more engaging and relevant.”
The 12 trainees who participated in the course will be placed in five organisations, namely Fajar International College, Fun Borneo Sdn. Bhd., Ins Studio, Old Bridge Borneo (M) Sdn. Bhd., and The Blackbird Wine Bar.
