In a world where digital transformation drives industries forward, open-source technologies form the backbone of innovation. By embracing “openness”, open source enables global collaboration, fosters boundless creativity, and ensures robust security with faster updates.

Recognising this transformative potential, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) inaugurated its state-of-the-art Red Hat Academy Lab on 19th November 2024, marking a significant milestone in preparing students for the challenges of the future.

A Gateway to Real-World Learning 

The newly launched Red Hat Academy Lab reflects APU’s commitment to providing hands-on learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and industry. From beginners to advanced learners, the lab offers resources for mastering Linux, Red Hat technologies, and open-source systems, creating an inclusive environment for all. 

The lab’s launch follows a series of impactful collaborations with Red Hat Malaysia, the global leader in enterprise open-source solutions. This strategic partnership began with its formalisation on 5th September 2023 and has since been strengthened by initiatives such as:

• The appointment of a Red Hat Academy Ambassador under the Student Ambassador Programme on 14th May 2024;
• An industrial visit to Red Hat Malaysia on 11th July 2024;
• An employment talk led by a Red Hat sales specialist on 19th July 2024.

The formation and registration of the APU Red Hat Club in June 2024, under the mentorship of Ts Dr Manimegalai Rajenderan and Mr Shahab Alizadeh from APU’s School of Technology (SoT).

A Transformative Collaboration

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, highlighted the university’s vision for cultivating industry-ready professionals:

“At APU, our mission is to transform students into industry-ready professionals by bridging the gap between academia and industry. The launch of the Red Hat Academy Lab marks a significant step in equipping our students with future-proof skills, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

The event saw distinguished attendees, including Ms Tammy Tan, Country Director of Red Hat Malaysia; Mr Prem Pavan, Vice President and General Manager of Growth & Emerging Markets in ASEAN and Korea; Mr Martin Lee, Solutions Architect Director for Southeast Asia; Ms Iva Chan, Marketing Manager at Red Hat; and Mr Zul Aripin, MDEC Lead of Domestic Digital Investments.

Ms Tammy Tan expressed her appreciation for APU’s proactive approach: “Collaboration is about execution, not just ideas, and APU has shown a remarkable commitment to turning plans into action. Together, we aim to foster innovation, spark passion, and build a sustainable talent pipeline for Malaysia and beyond.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Mr Zul Aripin of MDEC, who emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving Malaysia’s digital agenda: “As Malaysia advances its AI and digital transformation agenda, collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies is crucial. Initiatives like the APU Red Hat Club align perfectly with our nation’s vision for a digitally empowered workforce.”

Driving Innovation Through the APU Red Hat Club

Central to APU’s open-source ecosystem is the APU Red Hat Club, a hub for exploring and mastering technologies. The club focuses on advanced workshops, certifications, and hackathons, fostering leadership and innovation among students.

Ts Dr Manimegalai Rajenderan, one of the club’s advisors, shared her aspirations: “Our vision is to position the APU Red Hat Club as a regional hub for open-source learning. By collaborating with industry leaders and driving student-led projects, we aim to nurture technical expertise and innovation while gaining global recognition through international events.”

Amjad Alrifaai, President of the club, introduced the organisation during the lab visit, highlighting its inclusive environment and opportunities for practical learning. 

The club’s leadership, including Vice President Gatleen Kaur, Secretary Salem Ba Suhai, Treasurer Jackson How, Technical Lead Teh Yu Xuan & Hao Bin Tee, Marketing Lead Pei Fung Chin & Ahmed Omer and Event Coordinator Usman Ali Khan, spearheads initiatives like hosting functional web servers and virtualisation workshops, with plans to expand their industry outreach.

Students as Ambassadors of Change

The Red Hat Academy Lab serves as a platform for students to deepen their technical knowledge and take on leadership roles. Ng Zi Yuan, a BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) student and Red Hat Student Ambassador, recounted his journey with open-source technologies:

“Using CentOS 7 in my Systems and Network Administration course at APU was a turning point. It sharpened my skills and prepared me for leadership opportunities. The Red Hat Academy Lab is a game-changer for students aspiring to excel in open-source technology.”

A Commitment to Building a Sustainable Future

The Red Hat Academy Lab at APU is more than just a facility. It is a testament to the university’s forward-thinking approach. By collaborating with Red Hat and other industry leaders, APU ensures that its students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a dynamic, technology-driven world.

As APU continues to champion open-source learning, initiatives like the Red Hat Academy Lab and the APU Red Hat Club will play a vital role in fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and driving Malaysia’s digital transformation.