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The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on an enriching industrial visit to MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s national applied research and development (R&D) centre, on 3rd July 2025. 

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit provided students with an immersive experience into Malaysia’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. 

Activity 1: Introduction to MIMOS and its National Impact

The visit commenced at the Digital Government Lab, where students were welcomed by Mr Harris Emir Mohammed Feizol Anuar, representative from the Corporate Planning and Communications Department at MIMOS Berhad. 

He provided a captivating overview of MIMOS’ history, mission, and its role in shaping Malaysia’s digital transformation journey. 

Moreover, his session on technology advocacy highlighted how MIMOS drives progress across multiple sectors through cutting-edge R&D and strategic initiatives. 

Activity 2: Insights into Technology Diplomacy

Students then engaged with Ms Aishah Nor Alias, Senior Analyst from the Technology Diplomacy Division at MIMOS Berhad, who shared her professional journey and experiences at MIMOS. 

Additionally, she spoke on the critical importance of tech diplomacy, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation strategy in positioning Malaysia as a competitive force in the global digital economy. 

Activity 3: Interactive Q&A Session and Knowledge Exchange

An energetic Q&A session followed, allowing students to explore topics ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data applications to government-led digital transformation. 

Students’ active participation was rewarded with thoughtful tokens of appreciation, reinforcing the value of curiosity and knowledge sharing. 

Activity 4: Guided Tour of MIMOS’ Technological Milestones

In the final phase of the visit, led by Mr Laurence Sebastian, Event Manager and Lead of the Social Media Department at MIMOS Berhad, students toured MIMOS’ educational exhibits that showcased:

1. Joint Advanced Research Integrated Networking (JARING): The nation’s first internet service provider established by MIMOS in 1992.
2. Malaysia Digital Identity (MyDigital ID): A secure single sign-on digital identification system for government and public services.
3. AI-driven solutions
4. Sustainability-focused projects
    

On top of that, the tour offered a first-hand look at Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and its ongoing technological breakthroughs. 

Student Perspectives

1. Teng Chun Hong, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “The visit deepened my appreciation for Malaysia’s digital progress, showing how MIMOS’ innovations, from the nation’s first internet service provider to secure digital identity systems, drive both national development and everyday convenience.”
2. Vaidehi, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Business Analytics: “Gaining exposure to cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and their real-world applications was inspiring and showed me how Malaysia plays a pivotal role in driving bold, forward-looking technological advancement.”
3. Siahaan Davin Hillaro, Master of Science in International Business Communications: “Seeing how technological advancements at MIMOS contribute to global development opened my eyes to a future shaped by innovation and inspired me to explore a role in driving these advancements forward.”
    

Reflections on the Industrial Visit

Ms Harjinder thanked MIMOS Berhad for their warm hospitality and the enriching learning experience offered to the students. 

“This visit was more than just an industrial tour; it was a journey into Malaysia’s digital backbone, and seeing how MIMOS integrates innovation with national development inspired our students with a sense of purpose to contribute to the nation’s technological progress and the possibility of pursuing impactful careers in the digital economy.”