Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Universiti Utara Malaysia Forge Strategic Collaboration to Nurture Future-Ready Talent and Strengthen Industry-Academia Ties
Kuala Lumpur, 25 August 2025 – Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZTMB), the Family Takaful arm of Zurich Malaysia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), marking a meaningful collaboration to strengthen academic-industry partnerships in talent development, research and community advancement.
Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Fo’ad Sakdan, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Nur Fatihah Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZTMB) at the MoU signing ceremony between ZTMB and UUM.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping resilient, future-ready graduates and expanding research that contributes to nation-building. By connecting academia with real-world industry exposure, both parties aim to provide a strong foundation for Malaysia’s next generation of leaders and changemakers.
The MoU was formalised at a signing ceremony, graced by Nur Fatihah Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of ZTMB, and Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Fo’ad Sakdan, Vice-Chancellor of UUM. Nur Fatihah Mustafa shared, “At ZTMB, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent and creating real opportunities for learning and growth. Through this partnership with UUM, we aim to Create a Brighter Future Together for students, communities, and the industry at large.”
Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Fo’ad Sakdan underscored this point, stating, “This collaboration with ZTMB marks a significant step forward, creating new pathways for our students and faculty to learn, innovate, and contribute through industry-relevant programmes and research. It reflects our vision of holistic education, where knowledge is enriched through meaningful partnerships that drive progress and create lasting impact for both academia and society.”
Under the three-year MoU, both parties will collaborate across four strategic pillars, including joint research and community development projects, focusing on topics such as reputation management with ZTMB as a case study and on-ground initiatives that contribute to community development. The collaboration will also feature an Industry Fellow Programme, where ZTMB subject-matter experts will engage with UUM students through knowledge-sharing sessions, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Talent development is another key focus, with ZTMB supporting UUM’s Career Development Centre and Graduate Employability Centre (CDGEC) programmes such as the School of Hard Knocks (SoHK), while also providing internship opportunities for UUM students. In addition, a staff development exchange will be introduced to facilitate mutual knowledge-sharing and skill-building between ZTMB and UUM across academia and industry.
As part of the ceremony, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZGTMB) also presented a wakalah zakat contribution of RM30,000 to support underprivileged students under the asnaf fakir category at UUM. Beyond this contribution, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing financial inclusion, empowering education, and uplifting underserved communities through purposeful and on-ground activities.
For more information on ZTMB and ZGTMB’s initiatives, products and services, please visit zurich.com.my.
Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZTMB) is one of Malaysia’s leading family takaful operators. It is a member of Zurich Insurance Group and the sole provider of shariah-compliant family takaful products within Zurich. With more than a decade of Takaful market expertise, ZTMB offers protection, medical and health, savings as well as investments solutions to address its customers’ needs at different life stages. Together with its dedicated employees, agency force, distributors and partners, supported by its nationwide branch network, ZTMB is committed to help its customers understand and protect themselves from risks. For further information about ZTMB, visit www.zurich.com.my
About Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad
Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZGTMB) is one of Malaysia’s leading general takaful operators. It is a member of Zurich Insurance Group and the sole provider of shariah-compliant general takaful products within Zurich. With more than a decade of Takaful market expertise, ZGTMB offers an extensive range of general takaful solutions spanning motor, travel, property, financial and personal lines, small to medium enterprises as well as large industrial risks. Together with its dedicated employees, agency force, distributors and partners, supported by its nationwide branch network, ZGTMB is committed to help its customers understand and protect their valuable assets and businesses from risks. For further information about ZGTMB, visit www.zurich.com.my
About Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), founded in 1984 in Sintok, Kedah, is Malaysia’s public university dedicated to shaping the future generations through management education. With the tagline The Eminent Management University, UUM carries a unique mission to advance knowledge in business, governance, and the social sciences. Today, UUM is ranked #491 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placed in the 401–500 band of the THE World University Rankings 2025, and positioned in the 101–200 tier globally in the THE Impact Rankings 2025—where it achieved notable results in Quality Education (56th) and Reduced Inequalities (41st). These achievements reflect not only UUM’s academic excellence but also its commitment to driving social progress. Offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, UUM partners with industry and government to nurture leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful difference. For further information about UUM, visit www.uum.edu.my