Digital academy launched by AirAsia and Google
AirAsia – AirAsia Digital, in partnership with Google, launched the premier Redbeat Academy today as part of their continued digital transformation journey.
RedBeat Academy Launch
Yang Berhormat Khairy Jamaluddin launched the Academy, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and Datuk Ir. Dr Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Secretary-General of Ministry Science, Technology and Innovation. Present at the event was Datuk Kamarudin Meranun. Secondly, Executive Chairman of AirAsia Group, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group. Thirdly, Aireen Omar, President (AirAsia Digital) of AirAsia Group. Lastly, Marc Woo, Country Head, Google Malaysia.
Redbeat Academy was initially set up to upskill and cross-train AirAsia Allstars (employees). The training was done through a series of tech workshops. The areas of study were firstly Artificial Intelligence (AI). Secondly, Machine Learning (MI). Thirdly, Software Engineering. Followed by Cybersecurity, Big Data and Infrastructure among others. Redbeat Academy has now opened its doors to the public.
This move comes as part of the Academy’s objective and direction to build a future-ready next generation. This will be done by providing a one-stop service in tech, leadership and innovation. The Academy aims to be a vital catalyst for the digital economy in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN.
MOSTI Comments
YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation said, “I would like to congratulate AirAsia Digital and Google on this meaningful partnership and the launch of Redbeat Academy. The concept of the Academy itself signifies a vital global trend in today’s digital world. This trend reshapes how businesses are run. It changes how workplaces are structured and product marketing is shifted from a more traditional way to digital and consumer-centric.
These efforts are in line with the government’s key initiative, the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS). The aim of this initiative is to accelerate Malaysia’s ascent in becoming a high-tech and high-income nation. While at the simultaneously generating greater social impact and strengthening the social innovation ecosystem structure. MOSTI is proud to play our role in encouraging innovation from the grassroots with prominent industry players such as AirAsia and Google. It is evident that innovation will be the key driver of economies and markets worldwide. We look forward to seeing Malaysians from all walks of life sign up for the courses offered here.”
Air Asia CEO says keep learning
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “AirAsia has always embraced digitalisation. Today is another milestone for us as we launch our premier tech academy. We are proud to work hand-in-hand and cross-share our resources and knowledge with Google.
“With the mission to empower, connect and develop a sustainable tech talent pipeline, we are also proud to open the academy to the public now to provide opportunities for everyone, with the focus on mentoring the best in breed industry-ready professionals and producing problem-solvers using technology. Everyone needs to keep learning, growing and embracing the ever-changing tech landscape. This is to ensure that we can stay relevant in this digital economy. I hope everyone will take this opportunity to learn new skill sets in tech. Above all, we can strive for greater heights as a nation, together”.
Google to provide support
Rochana Golani, Director, Google Cloud Learning Services said, “Cloud technology can enable sustainable growth and innovation for businesses both large and small. The Redbeat Academy will help grow cloud skills and talent across Malaysia. As a Google Cloud Authorised Training Partner we also look forward to working with the team to deliver advanced curriculum and learning pathways to future cloud technology professionals.”
Redbeat Academy will focus on serving five segments. Firstly, AirAsia Allstars. Secondly, corporations and SMEs. Thirdly, government agencies. Fourthly, universities and education bodies and lastly, public individuals. At least 100,000 talents will lend their expertise. These talents will provide solutions in three main areas, namely: Skills Development Programme, Betabuild Labs, a programme offered by AirAsia supported Google to help Enterprises incubate New Digital Businesses with Employees and Career Coaching and Hiring Service.
Other Redbeat Academy Partnerships
In addition, Redbeat Academy signed a partnership with Malaysian Industry-Government Group of High Technology (MIGHT) to reskill a pool of talent in Software Engineering and High Technology projects (such as blockchain and data) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Asia School of Business in collaboration with MIT Sloan Management, in awarding a micro-credential to Redbeat Academy courses and acknowledging it as part of the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
The Academy also celebrated its first batch of 135 AirAsia Allstars. The students graduated in their Digital Fundamentals course from the internal Reskilling & Upskilling Programme. They will continue the journey in their respective tech track soon.
More information of this news can be found here.
