SAS boosts Malaysia’s efforts to deepen data analytics talent pool

Image courtesy of MDEC

United States-based analytics firm SAS is launching its SAS Software Certified Young Professionals (SCYP) programme for students in Malaysia, touted as the first in Southeast Asia. 

In collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the programme is intended to equip at least 500 students this year with in-demand analytics knowledge and expertise in a coronavirus-impacted job market, while helping to meet the growing demand for data science and analytics professionals across industries in the region.

The Malaysian government through MDEC has identified technology as the key enabler to respond to the new normal and to address the economic situation. Thus, MDEC has been actively promoting the #SayaDigital movement and the government’s PENJANA programmes that will create industry-ready digitally-skilled Malaysians.

“Business organisations need people who can make sense of data, manage and analyse it, build models and determine what information delivers the most value,” said Cheam Tat Inn, SAS managing director in Malaysia. “Students with an analytical skillset will be highly sought after.”

MDEC CEO Surina Shukri said their public-private partnership initiatives such as with SAS are seen contributing to the overall growth of the data science skills required in workforce to support the digitally-driven economy in Malaysia, which is also critical to meet the demand of the current and future job market.

The SAS SCYP programme will enable students to work towards SAS certification in programming, machine learning and visual analytics through e-learning courses at their own pace. 

The collaborative and engaging programme facilitates learning by having students join SAS Communities and register for online SAS webinars, led by SAS experts, where they can ask questions and be provided with the latest information.

Once students have completed the e-learning courses and attended the associated webinars, they will be able to take the certification exam, with guidance from SAS experts on how to prepare, and use available practice exams to bolster the learning experience and exam-readiness. 

Upon certification, SAS offers support in connecting students with SAS customers looking for young data science professionals.