Wawasan Open University (WOU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang-based industrial automation solutions and engineering services provider, Sophic Automation (Sophic), to facilitate mutual cooperation in Work-Based Learning (WBL) education—a forward-thinking model that blends theoretical knowledge with structured, real-world industry experience.
The partnership highlights both parties’ commitment to empowering and nurturing a highly skilled technological workforce equipped to meet evolving industry demands and bridge emerging skills gaps.
Under the agreement, qualified students enrolled in WOU’s WBL programme—specifically the Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Mechatronic Systems (BTMS)—will be recommended for meaningful employment at Sophic for the duration of their studies at WOU, subject to requirements set by both parties. Through this arrangement, students will undergo on-the-job training while applying classroom knowledge in real-world industrial settings.
This academia-industry synergy aims to equip WOU students with practical industry experience to enhance their technical competencies and job readiness, while enabling Sophic to build a long-term talent pipeline of highly skilled professionals.
Welcoming the partnership, Prof Ts Dr Yap Eng Hwa, Associate Vice Chancellor of WOU, said the initiative reflects WOU’s continued efforts to engage with industry in developing a dynamic workforce that aligns with the evolving demands of technology-driven sectors such as smart manufacturing, robotics and automation.
He elaborated, “This collaboration is part of our broader mission to champion academia-industry strategies that shape agile, tech-savvy talents ready to hit the ground running. By integrating structured workplace immersion into our degree pathways, we’re actively bridging the gap between education and employment, and building a sustainable talent pool that continuously supports industry transformation.
“Our innovative approach allows students to earn course credits while working on real projects in the workplace, immersing themselves in professional environments and exploring meaningful career paths. This gives them a competitive edge by building skills that employers value, while also ensuring companies gain access to highly motivated talents trained with industry relevance in mind.”
“At Sophic, we believe in growing talent from the ground up—and this partnership with WOU enables just that,” said Koh Dim Kuan, CEO of Sophic Automation.
“By embedding work-based learning into students’ degree experience, we’re not only nurturing future-ready engineers, but also shaping individuals who understand the pace, precision and problem-solving mindset required in real-world industrial environments. It’s a win-win for the students, for us and for the broader tech ecosystem.”
The MoU was officially inked on 23 April 2025 at Sophic’s premises by Prof Yap and Koh, with Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sean Tan Koon Tatt, Dean of WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE), and Janniece Loh, Chief Culture Officer at Sophic, witnessing the signing.
