APU’s Web3 Innovation Lab (W3IL) powered by Regov Technologies’ myBID platform, is igniting a new era of talent development by bridging the critical gap in Web3 and blockchain expertise, empowering Malaysia to lead the digital frontier.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Regov Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (Regov Technologies) are set to reshape Malaysia’s digital landscape with the launch of the first-of-its-kind ‘Web3 Innovation Lab (W3IL)’.

This strategic collaboration aims to develop a world-class pool of Web3 talent to meet the growing global demand for blockchain expertise.

Located on level 5 of APU’s ultra-modern campus within the university’s Financial Trading Centre (FTC), the W3IL is a hub for innovation and education, powered by Regov Technologies’ My Blockchain ID (myBID), a Web3-based Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) platform.

Together, APU and Regov Technologies address the critical shortage of Web3 developers by offering students unparalleled access to real-world projects and industry-leading expertise.

By combining APU’s academic prowess with Regov’s technological expertise, a powerful synergy was formed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) devoted to developing Malaysia’s future generation of Web3 leaders.

(Left) Datuk Parmjit Singh and (right) Datuk Paul Khoo shared their opening remarks at Audi 2, APU’s state-of-the-art campus.

The launch of the W3IL was officiated by Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo, who praised the initiative as a catalyst for Malaysia’s digital economy.

“The W3IL is more than a lab; it is a dynamic ecosystem that fosters the development of Web3 talent and innovation. We are developing the next generation of leaders and visionaries to position Malaysia as a global technology powerhouse.

“By providing students with the knowledge and practical experience they need to thrive in this fast-changing industry, we are not only tackling the current talent shortage but also moving Malaysia to the forefront of the digital economy,” he acknowledged.

Also present were representatives from various agencies such as Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) and others.

“Our objective is to equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in the dynamic Web3 landscape,” said Datuk Parmjit Singh, APU’s Chief Executive Officer.

He explained that the demand and keen interest for knowledge and skills in the Web3 and blockchain space has scaled to new heights, as shown through APU’s Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC), which has emerged as a leading student-led organisation in Southeast Asia with over 1,000 active members and 30 working committees.

With a track record of hosting 56 events in 2023/2024 and securing collaborations worldwide, APUBCC is driving blockchain literacy and innovation and further solidifying its impact and reach.

“Our graduates are making significant strides in the Web3 industry, both locally and internationally, demonstrating the effectiveness of our comprehensive programmes.”

With the blockchain industry skyrocketing at an annual rate of 87.7%, the lack of Web3 developers is becoming critical, and the talent gap is widening, as the current global pool of around 23,000 Web3 developers is insufficient to meet the surging demand for blockchain solutions.

As a result, both the public and private sectors are grappling with a critical shortage of skilled professionals to propel their blockchain initiatives forward.

YB Gobind Singh listened closely as APU students from the Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC) passionately presented their innovative project.

The W3IL programmes offer APU students, alumni, and programmers immersive Web3 training to master the complexities of blockchain technology by combining classroom learning with hands-on projects.

Certified candidates will work on real-life projects leveraging the myBID SSI platform. This hands-on experience, supervised by Web3 experts, ensures a comprehensive learning experience.

myBID is among the top global Decentralised Identity (DeID) tech companies, having developed its SSI platform — a Gen2 DeID infrastructure that meets the European Digital Identity Framework Regulation or EU’s eIDAS 2.0 standards.

YB Gobind Singh Deo had the opportunity to spend some time with APU students.

This approach enhances privacy and security while simplifying processes across various sectors by enabling seamless, verified data exchanges without repetitive registration or verification steps.

Graduates will enter the workforce with a robust blend of technical skills and professional experience, significantly enhancing their employability in the Web3 market.

“Regov’s vision is to position Malaysia as a regional Web3 hub. By collaborating with APU and fostering a strong ecosystem, we aim to create an oversupply of Web3 talent capable of driving local innovation and competing globally.

“We are thrilled to announce that myBID, our state-of-the-art SSI infrastructure, is now ready for commercial and governmental deployment worldwide. We are among the few pioneering SSI developers who have completed this next-generation identity management infrastructure, even ahead of advanced tech and economy nations,” said Datuk Paul Khoo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Regov Technologies.

“I also express my gratitude to Prof. Ir. Eur. Ing. Ts. Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer (CIEO) for his instrumental role in forging this strategic collaboration.”

The W3IL started operating in April 2024 and requires three experts (Senior Academicians) to monitor upskilling and course content developments open to APU students from all schools.

It will be managed by APU with support from Regov Technologies, which has previously run blockchain training programmes and provided blockchain consulting services to a Fortune 200 client.

Their leading expertise in SSI tech secured them a consultancy project with one of the global top 10 pharmaceutical companies, advising on development of their SSI-based Patient & Medical Record project.

Through professional certifications in Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), 20 APU lecturers have been certified by Regov Technologies, and another 200 students will be certified by September 2024.

The professional certifications also incorporate blockchain development for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme electives and blockchain applications for Finance and Accounting programmes.

The W3IL will also be open for training as APU intends to set foot in blockchain consultancy and training for the industry.

The focus will be on blockchain programming languages, specifically Transaction Execution Approval Language (TEAL) for Algorand and Solana’s execution environment, which is based on eBPF and allows training in languages such as Rust, C, Aries Javascript, IndyNode, Solidity, Solana, Parity, Web3j, and C++.

After completing their training and practical assessments, students will have the opportunity to work on myBID use cases under the supervision of Regov Technologies experts.

They can select from a wide range of use cases based on their interests, allowing them to gain real-world Web3 knowledge.

Students who complete the programme will receive a joint certification from APU and Regov Technologies and will enter the workforce with a strong blend of technical skills and professional experience, increasing their employability in the Web3 industry.