INTI International University & Colleges (INTI) and the Malaysia Retail Chain Association  (MRCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the ties between education and industry. This collaboration aims to develop qualifications driven  by industry needs, professional training programmes, and foster knowledge exchange  between business leaders and students.

The agreement will facilitate the creation of HRDF-approved training programmes and  MQA-accredited academic qualifications tailored to the retail sector’s requirements.  Beyond formal education, MRCA members will participate as guest speakers, mentors,  and research collaborators, providing students with real-world insights and connecting businesses engage with emerging talent. To further support industry professionals, INTI  is also offering special corporate discounts to MRCA members, their employees, and  immediate family members to promote accessible lifelong learning

INTI CEO Dr. Chong Kok Wai emphasised the critical role of industry collaboration in  shaping a workforce prepared for today’s business challenges, stating “Industries are  evolving rapidly, and it’s essential for education to match this pace. Our collaboration with  MRCA ensures that our educational offerings remain practical and relevant, equipping  both students and professionals with the right skills to remain competitive. This  collaboration not only allows businesses to directly influence talent development but also  gives students the opportunity to have firsthand experience with real-world business  operations,” 

A key highlight of this collaboration is the appointment of six distinguished business  leaders from MRCA as adjunct professors at INTI. Their expertise will provide students valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry best practices. The  appointed Adjunct Professors are

  • Datuk Dr. Ken Phua, President of MRCA and Managing Director of Bentley Music Sdn Bhd
  • Dato’ Eddie Choon Yee Seiong, Founder of MRCA and Managing Director of Poh  Kong Holdings Bhd
  • Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, MRCA President Council and CEO/President of Focus  Point Holdings Bhd
  • Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok, MRCA President Council, Founder and Chairman,  Nelson Group of Companies, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mozambique
  • Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, MRCA President Council and Executive Chairman of  Goldenhome Interior Sdn Bhd 
  • Datuk Seri Garry Chua, MRCA President Council and Founder of Rotol Group of  Companies

I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Adjunct Professor at INTI, alongside five other  esteemed MRCA dignitaries. I firmly believe that learning should never cease, regardless of one’s  position or age. Albert Einstein said ‘once you stop learning, you start dying, so continuous learning is key to strengthening our mindset.” said Datuk Dr. Ken Phua.

MRCA represents a diverse network of companies that are integral to Malaysia’s retail  industry, including major players like Zus Coffee, Focus Point, 7-Eleven Malaysia, 99  Speed Mart, Senheng Electric, Metrojaya, and Parkson. Through this collaboration, INTI  and MRCA aim to strengthen the connection between education and business, ensuring  that graduates are well-equipped to meet industry expectations

Dr. Chong congratulated Datuk Dr. Ken Phua on earning his PhD with INTI, recognising  his commitment to business and education. “Balancing business leadership  responsibilities with academic achievement is no easy task. Datuk Dr. Ken Phua’s  success reflects the spirit of continuous learning that we hope to inspire both the students  and industry professionals,” he said.

This MoU marks a significant step forward in aligning education with industry needs. By  working together, INTI and MRCA create opportunities for professional growth, industry  engagement, and workforce development, reinforcing INTI’s commitment to preparing  future professionals for success in the evolving business landscape