UNIQLO and UM partner to develop future retail leaders

Global retail giant UNIQLO has embarked on a pioneering collaboration with Malaysia’s esteemed Universiti Malaya (UM), marking a significant milestone as it establishes its first-ever partnership with a Malaysian university. The partnership is materialized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering talent development and implementing a tailored internship program for students from the Faculty of Business & Economics at UM.

The MoU, signed with a commitment to developing the next generation of skilled business leaders in the retail sector, emphasizes the joint dedication of UNIQLO and UM to provide students with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the retail industry. This collaboration aligns with UNIQLO’s sustainability pillars – People, Planet, and Society – with a particular focus on celebrating diversity and individuality, ensuring equal opportunities for career growth.

Comprehensive internship experience

Under the terms of the MoU, final semester students from UM’s Faculty of Business & Economics who meet the selection criteria and successfully clear an interview session will be eligible for internship placements at UNIQLO. The comprehensive internship program spans 12 weeks, with students spending four weeks at UNIQLO’s head office and eight weeks in stores, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of the retail industry.

The top two performers from the internship program will be rewarded with a two-week journey to UNIQLO Japan, providing them with a unique opportunity to enhance their understanding and expertise in a global context. This initiative not only contributes to the development of skilled professionals but also aligns with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025, focusing on fostering future talents with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

Yuki Yamada, Chief Executive Officer of UNIQLO Singapore and Malaysia, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with UM marks a significant step towards nurturing top talent from the esteemed Universiti Malaya, aiming to develop students into future leaders within UNIQLO.”

Professor Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics at Universiti Malaya, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “It is a privilege to have a global industry player like UNIQLO to be one of our important partners. With its extensive history in the retail industry as a global apparel company, UNIQLO brings invaluable expertise to the table.”

UNIQLO Manager Candidate (UMC) Pipeline

The partnership aims not only to bridge the gap between academia and industry but also to create a UNIQLO Manager Candidate (UMC) pipeline. The UMC program promotes diversity by integrating talents from diverse backgrounds as interns, fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Students in the UMC program will receive bonuses, medical coverage, and specialized training in essential skills such as customer satisfaction, product management, and sales, with the goal of shaping them into store managers and future global leaders.

This collaboration, effective immediately and spanning 24 months, signifies a concerted effort to cultivate and empower Malaysia’s future business leaders. For more information about UNIQLO and its initiatives, please visit www.uniqlo.com/my.