The MoU was signed by UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Dr Jagdeep Singh Jassel, and Kakatoo F&B Group Chief Executive Officer, Chong Yuen Yuen, and witnessed by Kakatoo F&B Group Chairman Prof. Adj. Dato’ Mohd Yusof Izahar and UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur Head of Operations & Bursary Sry Haryane Mohd Nor. 

The collaboration establishes a framework for both parties to jointly implement employability-focused initiatives, including internships, industry projects, mentorship programmes, guest lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. 

The partnership comes at a promising time, as Malaysia continues to build a more dynamic and inclusive workforce by strengthening pathways for graduates to apply their skills and contribute meaningfully across industries. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Jagdeep Singh said that universities must play a more active role in bridging this gap between industry and academia, for mutual benefits and shared vision. 

“The true value of education lies not only in knowledge, but in its application—how it shapes individuals to be industry-ready, future-focused, and impactful contributors to society and the industry. This is also more relevant in a dynamic industry, like the food industry,” he said. 

He added that collaborations with industry are essential to ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills, exposure, and adaptability required in today’s evolving workforce, that are driven by competition, customer preference, and the economy. 

Through this partnership, students will gain direct exposure to real-world industry environments, strengthening their employability and career readiness while responding to calls for more industry-aligned, skills-based education pathways. 

Kakatoo, a leading halal-certified Peranakan dining brand, brings valuable industry expertise into the collaboration, reinforcing shared goals in talent development and workforce readiness. 

At the signing ceremony, Kakatoo Chief Executive Officer Chong Yuen Yuen said: 

“At Kakatoo, we believe in investing in people as much as we invest in our business. This collaboration with UNITAR provides an important platform to nurture young talents through industry immersion and hands-on experience. We are proud to support the development of future-ready graduates who understand both the craft and the discipline required in the industry.” 

The partnership also supports curriculum enhancement through industry insights and collaboration in research, innovation, and community engagement initiatives, particularly in hospitality and food heritage—areas aligned with Malaysia’s broader tourism and economic priorities. 

Beyond employability, the collaboration reflects a growing national push for deeper industry–academia integration, as policymakers, universities, and employers work together to better align academic pathways with labour market needs and promote employment. 

The MoU comes as UNITAR marks its 35 years of empowering education under its “Bangkit Bersama” theme, reflecting its commitment to resilience, renewal, and future-focused partnerships that create meaningful outcomes. 

Dr Jagdeep Singh added that such collaborations are key to shaping a more responsive and future-ready education ecosystem. 

“Academia–industry partnerships like this remind us that we create more than opportunities—we create futures and fuel ambitions,” he said. 

The agreement will be implemented over an initial two-year period, with both parties committed to delivering impactful outcomes for students, industry, and the wider community. 

In recent months, UNITAR has actively expanded its portfolio of industry–academia collaborations across key sectors, including hospitality, education, and professional services, as part of its broader commitment to strengthening graduate employability. These partnerships have focused on practical, outcomes-driven initiatives such as structured internships, industry-led classrooms, live projects, and career placement pathways—providing students with real, measurable exposure to the workplace. Collectively, these efforts reflect UNITAR’s approach to employability, where students do not just learn about industry expectations, but experience them first-hand—graduating with both academic credentials and the confidence, skills, and industry readiness demanded by employers today.