KUCHING – The apps on your mobile devices and computer in the future may have been developed by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus students.
This could be a reality following a recent MOU signed between the university and Nokia to jointly build apps.
Under the arrangement, Nokia will provide the multimedia students with the latest mobile devices and kits to build the apps, and serve as an advisor on Windows apps development.
“Nokia brings with it industry know-how from designing mobile devices to thriving in the mobile ecosystem and understanding the need of the end users,” said Swinburne Sarawak Director of Research and Consultancy, Dr Wallace Wong.
Earlier this year, the university embarked on a Windows phone apps design and development pilot project with Nokia. The encouraging result prompted Nokia and Swinburne Sarawak to raise the level of collaborative activities.
“The MOU is a statement of commitment from both parties to collaborate further in apps development. In the future we hope to assist Nokia’s R&D in expanding its mobile ecosystem,” Wong said.
The university, he said, emphasizes on high quality, engaged teaching and research in science, technology and innovation to deliver teaching and research that make a difference to individuals, industries and communities.
Since its establishment in 2000, the university has built partnerships with industries both in Malaysia and abroad.
“The partnerships provide a platform for our students and staff to engage actively with industry to deliver workable solutions to real world problems,” Wong said, adding that industry engagement enriches the experience of students and enables them to bolster the skills and knowledge they learnt in class and adapt them to industry demands.
Aaron Leong, Nokia Malaysia Developer Experience Manager, was the signatory at the MOU while Wong represented Swinburne Sarawak.
The signing was witnessed by Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Anthony Cahalan, Academic Director Associate Professor Enn Ong and Mohd Asrul bin Sulaiman, Senior Executive of the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC).
Cyberjaya based MDeC directs and oversees Malaysia’s ICT initiative, the MSC Malaysia. It was recently appointed as an advisor by Swinburne Sarawak for its Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) program.
In attendance were representatives of the university’s industry partners including the Sarawak Tourism Board and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS).