Google Malaysia today announced Google Ignite – a training-to-internship pilot program that’s focused on the development of digital marketing skills on Google platforms, inclusive of certification for selected final year university students.
The program involves seven top local universities including Limkokwing University, INTI International University, Multimedia University, University of Malaya, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Taylor’s University and Sunway University.
Kicking off in July, the program will end in late October with a job fair happening on 24 October, spearheaded by Jobstreet Malaysia. It will see 150 highest performing students and graduates placed in internship positions in some of the largest digital agencies in Malaysia.
For those who don’t make the cut, they will still be equipped with Google AdWords certification, which will arm them with expertise that digital agencies and brands are looking for.
According to Google, the AdWords Certification Program is exactly the same as professional Google certification offered in the working world. The program will focus on undergraduates initially, and may extend further in the future.
Google targets 200 sign-ups per university for the initial pool, with 50 Google AdWords-certified, intern-ready graduates.
“As we all know, each online search is an intent – whether for more information or for purchase consideration and comparison – and Google’s platforms are there to satisfy these queries. Every day, millions are conducted on google.com.my,” said Sajith Sivanandan, Managing Director of Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines and Emerging Markets.
Google’s Consumer Barometer study reveals 3 out of 4 Malaysians use Search to get information before a purchase. 67% of Malaysians access the web via their smartphones.
It’s no secret that Malaysia is rapidly moving ahead in the digital age, with a high mobile penetration rate and a widely internet-connected population (21 million of 30 million in total). It is Google’s goal to build the talent pool, help move the digital ecosystem forward and meet the demands of the digital generation. According to SME Corp Data, only a fraction of the 700,000 SMEs in Malaysia are taking advantage of online marketing.
Therefore, there is a high demand for digital marketers and digital expertise within the workplace.
Google hopes to make Ignite an annual recurring program involving even more education institutions, especially those located outside of KL.
Ignite will provide universities with online learning resources for self-studying and in-university training on Google AdWords. This will enable students to pursue new learning above and beyond what is offered in their faculties, and gain valuable training and skills. At the end of it, students get to take advantage of internship opportunities with top digital agencies and Google Partner agencies.
