APU Students Gain Firsthand Industry Insights at Hilti Asia IT Services

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continues to strengthen its mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry. On 22nd April 2025, this commitment took the form of a dynamic industry visit, where 60 students from APU had the exceptional opportunity to explore Hilti Asia IT Services (HAITS) — a global IT hub for the Liechtenstein-based multinational, Hilti.

The visit, organised under APU’s industry exposure programme, was designed to offer students meaningful, hands-on experiences that extend far beyond traditional academic learning. Hosted at Hilti’s premises in Petaling Jaya, the visit opened a window into the daily operations, workplace culture, and innovative technologies shaping the global construction and technology sectors.

Exploring Innovation at the Heart of Construction Technology

HAITS plays a pivotal role in driving the digitalisation of the construction industry. From IT infrastructure to advanced supply chain solutions, Hilti continues to pioneer innovative systems that support construction professionals across the globe.

During the visit, students were treated to engaging presentations by Hilti’s IT and Supply Chain teams. These sessions provided an in-depth look at how classroom theories translate into real-world applications, allowing students to contextualise their academic knowledge within a global business framework. A guided walkthrough of the facility further enriched the experience, giving students a firsthand look at Hilti’s collaborative and fast-paced work environment.

Nurturing Industry Connections Through Meaningful Engagement

Beyond the technical exposure, the visit also featured a valuable networking segment. Students had the chance to interact with professionals from various departments, gaining career advice and insights into hiring practices. These conversations not only deepened students’ understanding of industry expectations but also helped them establish connections that may shape their future careers.

The visit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of APU’s School of Computing (SoC) faculty members — Assistant Professor Ts Dr Maythem Kamal Abbas Al-Adilee, Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum, and Mr Zailan Arabee Abdul Salam — working in collaboration with the Hilti hosting team, including Mr Jeremy-Jude Fernandez, Ms Mei Jun Tan, Ms Nicole Lee, Mr Mike Goh, and Mr Mike Teh.

Student Voices: A Memorable and Impactful Experience

Students were quick to share their appreciation and excitement about the visit. Luven Mark, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science student, shared on LinkedIn, “A big thank you to the host, the floor walk offered a glimpse into Hilti's operations, and the visit ended on a high note with refreshments and meaningful conversations – one of which with Ms Ru Yuan Chua, who deserves special thanks for patiently addressing our questions on the hiring process and sharing the life at Hilti!”

Angela Putri Linnardo, who is pursuing a specialism in Data Analytics, reflected on the experience: “A big thank you to our lecturer, Ts Dr Maythem Kamal Abbas, for organising such an eye-opening industry visit. We gained meaningful insights into Hilti’s operations, especially within Supply Chain Management and Talent Acquisition.”

Another Data Analytics student, Lim Jun Na, added, “I'm excited to share that I had the opportunity to visit Hilti Asia IT Services. We gained a deeper understanding of Hilti’s operations and wrapped up the visit with a fantastic networking session.”

Building Industry-Ready Talent for the Future

Industry visits such as this are more than just educational outings — they are vital stepping stones towards building employability, inspiring innovation, and enhancing students’ readiness for the evolving demands of the workforce. By fostering strategic partnerships with global organisations like Hilti, APU ensures that its students are well-equipped with both academic rigour and practical industry exposure.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Hilti Asia IT Services for hosting APU’s students and staff. The university looks forward to many more such collaborations that nurture the next generation of tech-savvy, industry-ready professionals.