ISKANDAR PUTERI: The EduCity 2.0 initiative, introduced by EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (EIMSB), is set to reimagine a new learning ecosystem by lowering the barrier to entry for new institutions at the education city.
Its managing director, Wan Ahmad Saifuddin Wan Ahmad Radzi, said it would be a game-changer in the education landscape and make EduCity a unique destination among global players.
The initiative includes a new brand identity, enhancement of current facilities and new institution partners, which opens the door to a new mix of institutions, such as schools, training companies and research and development companies.
EduCity Iskandar also announced EduCity International College's establishment as a venue for a flexible partnership model and EduCity Academy to position EduCity Iskandar as a Research Living Lab.
"EduCity 2.0 is an expansion plan where we extend our value proposition towards creating a new learning ecosystem, as well as positioning EduCity Iskandar as a destination.
"For current partnering institutions and EduCity students, we will ensure that the education city offers a conducive learning ecosystem in the form of continuous upgrade of the main facilities."
For new partners, EduCity introduces the Flexible Partnership Model that lowers entry barriers into EduCity and Malaysia.
"There are three types of offerings available under this model — transit, incubation, and twinning."
EduCity 2.0 also includes positioning the city as a "Research Living Lab" via the EduCity Academy.
Key offerings that will be available soon are augmented reality and virtual reality, Robotics and Internet of Things and Sports Tech programmes.
"In terms of students' experience, we have introduced programmes and online webinars featuring local and international speakers geared towards leadership and entrepreneurship.
"We will also focus on funding our students' projects under the PitchDeal programme," said Wan Ahmad Saifuddin.
Recently announced, he said, was the second term of the EduCity Student Senate (ESS).
ESS was established to represent the students' voice of partnering institutions and to ensure a shared student experience by highlighting issues facing EduCity's student community.
Spearheaded by the senate, it plays a role in co-organising events and activities to boost the student experience through positive engagements.
EduCity 1.0 was launched in 2009 when it was Entry Point Project. Iskandar Investment Bhd was the catalytic driver for EduCity and played an integral role in ensuring Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme.
It houses 12 local and international education partners — Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Netherlands Maritime University College, University of Southampton Malaysia, Multimedia University, University of Reading Malaysia, Kolej MDIS Malaysia and Raffles University EduCity International College (subject to approval by the Higher Education Ministry).
There are three international schools — Marlborough College Malaysia, Raffles American School and IDRISSI International School at EduCity Iskandar, which will commence its operations by the end of this year.
This is followed by three training centres, Reliance Aviation Academy, LEA (formerly London English Academy) and EduCity Academy.