UMDAC’s engagement with data analytics industry and skill development
The Universiti Malaya Data Analytics Club (UMDAC), established in 2023, plays an important role in equipping students with essential skills for a competitive job market in today’s data-driven world. Focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry, UMDAC fosters growth through initiatives that promote hands-on learning, industry networking, and skill development. By creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in practical settings, the club ensures its members are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
“Our partnerships with industry leaders like AirAsia, Accenture, and UMobile are integral to UMDAC’s mission,” says Thayananth Kumaresan, a final-year Bachelor of Computer Science (Data Science) student and the President of UMDAC for the 2023/2024 session. “These collaborations provide students with direct exposure to market trends and professional expectations. Events like the Data Science Industrial Talk series are designed to connect our members with industry experts, offering valuable insights and helping them align their skills with what’s required in the job market. Through these efforts, we aim to create a bridge between academic learning and professional growth, ensuring our members are not just job seekers but industry-ready talents.”
UMDAC’s commitment to experiential learning is further exemplified through its hallmark events—the Data Science Digital Race and Datathon. Both competitions are designed to challenge participants’ analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities in dynamic, high-pressure scenarios. The Digital Race invites students from diverse academic backgrounds to collaborate on solving real-world data problems under tight deadlines. Teams analyze datasets, develop actionable solutions, and present their findings to industry judges. This format not only sharpens technical skills like programming and statistical analysis but also cultivates critical thinking and adaptability.
Similarly, the Datathon serves as UMDAC’s flagship event, bringing together participants for a multi-day challenge. Beginning with a workshop on data visualization, the competition immerses students in a fast-paced environment where they work on real-world datasets to generate insights and propose innovative solutions. The event provides students with valuable exposure to industry standards through mentorship and feedback from professionals, while also fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. With a prize pool to reward top teams, the Datathon incentivizes creativity and excellence, encouraging participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical outcomes.
By hosting such initiatives, UMDAC not only builds technical proficiency but also empowers students to approach challenges with confidence and ingenuity. The club’s efforts to bridge academia and industry have cultivated a thriving ecosystem where members can explore career pathways, gain practical experience, and connect with industry leaders. From workshops to competitions, UMDAC continues to inspire students to embrace the opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital landscape.
“As we continue to grow, UMDAC’s mission remains clear: to nurture the next generation of data scientists and innovators capable of driving data-driven decision-making across industries,” Thayananth adds. “Our workshops, competitions, and collaborations create a vibrant ecosystem where students can explore career opportunities, gain practical experience, and connect with industry leaders. We want UMDAC to be a platform that inspires confidence, creativity, and the ability to meet challenges head-on.”
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For more information on UMDAC’s activities, contact Thayananth Kumaresan at umdac@um.edu.my
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