Malaysia’s First Centre for Cutting Edge Project Management Learning Launched

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 NOVEMBER 2004 – The Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) in partnership with Management Concepts Asia Pacific (MCAP) and LK Solutions Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd (LKS) and with the sponsorship of both Microsoft (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd, today launched the “Centre of Excellence for Project Management Learning” (CEPML).

After launching the CEPML, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Kong Cho Ha, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia witnessed the signing ceremony between YABhg Tun Haji Mohd Hanif Bin Omar, President of the MIM Court of Fellows, Mr Butt Wai Choon, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mr Ricky Tan, General Manager of Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd, Mr Gerard Fitzgibbon, CEO and Co-founder of MCAP and Ms Aileen Koh, Director of LKS.

MIM initiated a series of Project Management programmes in October 2003 and to-date over 748 professionals have completed at least one of these Project Management programmes. These programmes are registered with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the courses are assigned Professional Development Units (PDUs), which enable the participants to qualify for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.

“I am happy to note that MIM has taken the lead to train project managers with the use of Entreprise Project Management software in the country, as it is a crucial skill for managers as they are exposed to the daunting task of project execution. I am confident that the Centre of Excellence for Project Management Learning launched today will contribute towards the aims as outlined by the Goverment for the development of Science and Technology, and the building of a knowledge-based economy in Malaysia” said Dato’ Kong Cho Ha when addressing guests at the launch ceremony held at MIM.

“…. MIM introduced the PMI accredited Project Management courses to help Project Managers and aspiring Project Managers gain a better understanding of what it takes to manage projects effectively in today’s business environment. The Centre, launched today, will provide the hands-on experience necessary for those managing projects. Among other things, this will avoid the shocking fiasco of completed projects that cannot be utilised or are unsafe which has recently surfaced in Malaysia due to poor project management”, said YABhg Tun Haji Mohd Hanif Bin Omar, President – Court of Fellows of MIM in his welcome address.

“We see enterprise project management gaining speed in the country, particularly as the knowledge worker base grows and the demands for increasingly complex solutions arise – in traditional and emerging business sectors alike. The CEPML will allow companies to improve their productivity and operational efficiencies. Whilst, at the same time, provide opportunities to local companies to extend and expand their solutions on the Microsoft platform – in this case, for project management applications,” said Mr Butt Wai Choon, Managing Director, Microsoft (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The company extended software contribution on its latest applications – Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Project 2003, valued in excess of RM250,000.

Mr Ricky Tan, General Manager of Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd reiterated the importance of the role that project management training has in Malaysia as timely and decisive. He added, "Acer is not only proud to contribute towards the development of an informed society, but is also concerned with the innovation of ICT products that can enhance knowledge and management effectiveness among professionals and spur organisations towards best practices."

Mr Gerard Fitzgibbon, CEO of MCAP commented that, “globally we are seeing an accelerated adoption of project based management as a core competency for organisations seeking to manage change and gain competitive advantage. The establishment of the CEPML will greatly assist Malaysian companies and government agencies in their efforts to achieve their strategic aims to compete aggressively and successfully in the global economy. It is fitting that MIM, given their role as the centre of management development here in Malaysia, should be at the forefront of this initiative.”

“This unique collaboration and partnership of CEPML will provide Total Enterprise Project Management Solutions to companies in Malaysia. With this launch, companies can leverage on the technology and solutions provided in the CEPML ”said Ms Aileen Koh, Director, LK Solutions Asia Pacific, Microsoft 1st GoldPartner in Malaysia.

For more information or clarification, please contact Ms Sarina Chan (sarina@mim.edu) at 03 2165 4641.

Last Updated: Friday, December 17, 2004