UNITAR and Miss Malaysia Kebaya Forge Strategic Partnership to Empower Creative Talent and Champion Malaysian Heritage

The partnership brings together academia and industry to create meaningful opportunities for students through experiential learning, industry engagement, professional networking, internships, volunteer programmes, workshops, masterclasses, research initiatives, and talent development activities.

The collaboration will also support Malaysia’s cultural and tourism aspirations, including Visit Malaysia 2026, by promoting heritage, culture, fashion, tourism, and the nation’s growing creative economy. 

Under the partnership, lecturers and students will be encouraged to participate in MMK’s national and international programmes, fashion showcases, cultural exchanges, tourism initiatives, business networking platforms, and collaborative projects involving fashion, beauty, digital media, artificial intelligence (AI), tourism, business, and other creative disciplines. 

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, Vice Chancellor of UNITAR International University, said the collaboration reflects UNITAR’s commitment to producing graduates who are highly adaptable, industry-ready, and globally competitive.

“At UNITAR, we are committed to ensuring our students gain industry exposure that extends well beyond the classroom. Through our collaboration with Miss Malaysia Kebaya, students will have opportunities to engage directly with sectors such as fashion, tourism, culture, digital media, and events management, while participating in initiatives that are aligned with national platforms such as Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia’s growing arts scene. These real-world experiences are invaluable in preparing graduates to thrive in dynamic and evolving industries.”

“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering industry-relevant education that equips students with both practical skills and meaningful professional networks. By immersing students in activities connected to cultural tourism, heritage promotion, fashion showcases, and industry engagements, including ecosystems associated with major platforms such as Selangor Fashion Week and Visit Malaysia 2026, we are creating authentic learning opportunities that enhance employability and career readiness.”

“What makes this collaboration particularly significant is its ability to bring together employability, innovation, culture, and nation-building. By connecting our students with industry practitioners, creative leaders, tourism stakeholders, and cultural ambassadors, we are enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and promotion of Malaysia’s rich heritage while developing the skills, confidence, and industry insights needed to succeed on a national and global stage.”

The MoU will also explore joint conferences, exhibitions, research collaborations, cultural exchange programmes, and international initiatives that will benefit students, academics, industry partners, and the wider community. 

Dr Jason Hee Jee Pin, Founder and President of Miss Malaysia Kebaya, welcomed the partnership and expressed confidence that it would create valuable opportunities for the next generation of creative professionals.

Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to establish a sustainable partnership that strengthens academia-industry-government engagement, develops future creative talents, and contributes to Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for heritage, culture, fashion, and tourism.