AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaya (UM), the nation’s premier public university, to promote industry-academia collaboration. The MoU was signed during a ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 17 October 2024, and marks AEON Bank’s partnership with other industry leaders including Calisto, China State Construction Engineering, Hirose Electric, and more.
AEON Bank was represented by Deputy CEO Tsutomu Kamagata and Chief of Strategy Ajith Jayaram, while Universiti Malaya’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, YBrs. Prof. Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh, officiated the ceremony on behalf of Vice Chancellor, YBhg. Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman.
Bridging Academia and Industry This MoU reflects a shared vision to enhance collaboration in technology, research, and Shariah-compliant financial initiatives, which will benefit students and prepare them for the digital economy. AEON Bank’s CEO, YM Raja Teh Maimunah, emphasized the opportunity to explore tech-centric programs and financial literacy initiatives for students, while tapping into Universiti Malaya’s research expertise.
Focus on Technology and Innovation Prof. Ramesh Singh highlighted the importance of advancing research, student development, and community-based programs through this partnership. The MoU will bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing students with hands-on experience in areas such as:
- Technology-driven projects, including fintech innovation hubs
- Cloud architecture, data analytics, and AI/ML optimization
- Shariah-compliant digital banking and financial literacy workshops
- Digital banking app promotions and campus engagement
- Industrial training, internships, and CSR programs
As part of AEON Group, AEON Bank is committed to providing inclusive financial services through its cloud-native architecture and strategic partnerships. It offers a range of Shariah-compliant products, including Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, and various digital payment services.
This partnership aims to empower Malaysian students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving digital world, while furthering the development of Islamic banking and fintech in the region.