Re-inventing higher education: The Sunway Signature Collection equips graduates to be both job-ready and future-ready

WHEN the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 was released in January, it revealed a workforce in the midst of a major transformation.
The report highlighted the rising demand for skills like analytical thinking, adaptability, Artificial Intelligence (AI) proficiency and digital literacy – skills that are quickly becoming essential for the future.

It also pointed to two key drivers of change: the rapid advancement of technology and the push for a green transition.

In anticipation of these shifts, Sunway University – ranked Malaysia’s No.1 for Graduate Employability by Talentbank – is staying ahead of the curve

In 2025, the university introduced the Sunway Signature Collection, a portfolio of forward-thinking programmes designed to transform the student experience and dynamically prepare graduates for the evolving job market.

Prof Chai says that with global collaborations, executive mentorship, real-world projects and lifelong learning students graduate equipped for both today’s jobs and tomorrow’s challenges.

Futureproof education

“We recognised that the traditional university model was no longer enough,” said Sunway University’s education pro vice-chancellor Prof Chai Lay Ching, reflecting on the creation of the Sunway Signature Collection.

She observed that today’s students require more than just academic skills – they need to be adaptable, think across disciplines, embrace global viewpoints and have a strong sense of purpose.

“It’s our response to the challenges of digitalisation, climate change and global disruption – and to the opportunities that lie ahead for those who are prepared to lead with innovation, ethics, and resilience,” she added.

The initiative is one Prof Chai hails as a bold re-invention of higher education.

“The programme is a transformative, student-centred and career-focused model that integrates academic excellence with career readiness, personal growth, global exposure and values-driven education.

“We empower students with the professional knowledge, mindset, skillset and adaptability needed to succeed and lead in a rapidly evolving world,” she shared.

Pillars of power

The Sunway Signature Collection of Programmes comprises four key pillars which form a comprehensive ecosystem that supports each student’s growth.

The first pillar – Personalised Pathway – is designed to align education with future careers through two key tracks.

The Career Xcellerator Pathway connects programmes to high-growth industries like AI, sustainability and fintech.

According to Prof Chai, many students only begin to understand their career options in their second or third year – making it too late to strategically build the skills and experiences needed to stand out.

The Career Xcellerator Pathway was designed to bridge that gap. “Programme leaders, guided by data and industry insights, curate specific career-aligned pathways within each degree.

“For example, in Biotechnology, two career pathways could be developed: Diagnostic Analytics and Business and Marketing.

“Students interested in diagnostic labs are guided to choose electives like bioinformatics and lab report writing, while those leaning toward sales or marketing roles in pharma might choose courses such as negotiation, marketing fundamentals and business management,” she said.

Meanwhile, Career Flex Pathways offer multidisciplinary options – like combining Business with AI or Healthcare with Digital Innovation – promoting adaptability and cross-sector skills.

“This pathway empowers students to dream beyond conventional roles and equips them with the diverse competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly hybrid career landscape,” said Prof Chai.

To support these pathways, the Success Coaching Model pairs every student with a mentor from day one to guide their academic and career journey.

“In the final year, students are matched with C-suite level success coaches – leaders from industry – who offer strategic guidance, networking opportunities and real-world insight,” said Prof Chai.

Real world experience

The Industry as a Classroom pillar bridges academics with the real world through mandatory internships, hands-on projects and industry engagement.

Each student undertakes an eight to 14-week career internship, selecting from options like traditional placements, freelance work, or entrepreneurial ventures – all designed to provide hands-on experience that aligns with their career aspirations.

“The curriculum is built around industry relevance, with live projects, case studies and guest lectures from industry leaders and innovators to provide practical insights and hands-on experience,” said Prof Chai.

Supporting this is the Xplorer Hub, a digital platform offering flexible electives in areas like Global Experience, Digital Innovation and Sustainability – many co-created with industry partners to match current job market needs.

Global Excellence is a pillar that brings international perspectives through double-degree programmes, global exchanges and elite partnerships with top institutions.

Sunway partners with Lancaster University in the United Kingdom and Arizona State University in the United States to offer prestigious double degrees.

It also partners with prestigious institutions such as Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Cambridge University on research initiatives.

At Cambridge, the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre stands as a dynamic hub for pioneering advancements in medical science.

“We’ve built these pathways that connect students to the world by bringing global experiences directly to our campus.

“This includes cross-border opportunities, visiting lecturers and global online classrooms where students can learn and interact with peers from around the world,” Prof Chai added.

The last pillar is Future-Proofing, ensuring students are equipped with the digital and sustainability skills needed for the future.

The core curriculum emphasises values-based education, where all students complete subjects in community service, integrity, sustainability,and entrepreneurship – building the mindset to address real-world Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, AI literacy is mandatory from the first semester, with digital skills embedded across all disciplines.

“Sustainability and innovation are not just trends, they are imperatives. As we face climate challenges, digital transformation and rapid change across all sectors, it’s essential that students are equipped to lead ethically and innovatively.

“We embed these values and skills early on so that our graduates don’t just adapt to the future – they shape it,” she explained.

Sunway University, adds Prof Chai, also champions lifelong learning by giving alumni exclusive access to the Sunway XceEd Platform, offering micro-credentials and short courses.

This, she noted, allows graduates to stay connected to a global network, continuing their growth and learning well beyond graduation.

The Sunway Signature Collection is the university’s long-term vision to redefine the student experience and align higher education with future workforce demands.Cream of the crop

In the recent AppliedHE Private University Ranking: Asean 2025, Sunway University claimed the top spot out of 100 institutions, excelling in teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate employability.

It comes as no surprise as Sunway University achieved an exceptional 99.8% graduate employability in 2024 alone. But for the institution, its ambition extends beyond just figures.

“We believe that the true success of a university is not just measured by how many of our graduates are employed, but by the quality and impact of those graduates in the real world,” said Prof Chai.

She added that the Sunway Signature Collection of Programmes are also designed to nurture graduates who are individuals who bring innovation, leadership and a sustainable development mindset to the workplace.

“We aim to produce changemakers who will shape and lead transformation in their industries, not just fill positions.

“Whether they’re advancing scientific innovation, driving ethical business practices, or creating impact through social entrepreneurship, we want our graduates to be defined not just by their employability, but by their ability to lead, adapt and inspire,” she shared.

With Sunway University’s intake now underway, aspiring students eager to shape their future are invited to visit the university’s Open Day on May 17 and 18. For more visit https://my.sunway.edu.my/openday/.