Established in 2020, Forward College is a revolutionary technology and future skills school based in Penang, Malaysia that equips aspiring tech professionals with industry-ready skills required for the fast-moving tech sector. We provide a range of expert-led online and on-campus training in coding, data science, design, digital marketing, and more. We are accredited by the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDCorp) in Malaysia. Besides that, we are also a recognised Digital Hub by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Our campus is designed to bring the best of synchronous and asynchronous learning under one roof. This provides learners with an interactive experience and space for social learning.
Forward College's philosophy is driven by real-world learning experiences developed in tandem with our industry partners. Powered by our outstanding faculty and trailblazing technology practitioners, we offer world-class, cutting-edge education in a conducive learning, living and co-working space.
Seen here are some of the students who organised the Rainbow Hike event and participated in community building efforts while having a good time at Bukit Bendera, Penang. This is just a part of campus living, on top of movie nights, 'Goreng' sessions, festivals celebrated together with food and games prepared by Forward School.
Building anything new is hard, never mind alone and in a vacuum.Here, our shared work and living spaces are designed to inspire collaboration and synergy. We gather students, entrepreneurs, and companies of different kinds under one roof to immerse in exciting, meaningful projects and create a one-of-a-kind tech ecosystem.
The Forward College campus is made up of 9 pre-war shophouses along Lebuh Acheh in the heritage city of George Town, Penang with specification by Unesco strictly adhered to during the restoration process in 2019. We are a recipient of the George Town World Heritage Incorporated Heritage Recognition and Awards 2020’s Special Mention by the Jury under the Conservation, Enhancement and Adaption category.
No matter if you have just graduated from high school seeking to build a career in technology or a lane change in search of better prospects in the tech industry, we have a program for you. This image is taken during our BizFest event.
More than just a place to study and work, our students, members and residents have access to expert advice and learning opportunities through our events, classes, and workshops. As we navigate constant change, our programs are curated to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to level up and grow your company while learning directly from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Here we are, in one of our many events bringing together students, the faculty, staff and co-workers. This is us during the recent Christmas party. It's been quite a year for all of us. Nevertheless, there are always things to be grateful for. In this time of reflection and gratitude, we would like to thank each of you for continuously supporting our efforts in bridging the skills gap locally and eventually, globally.
Forward College's 24-hour virtual hackathon for our Applied Software Engineering students to tackle an industry-level issue. As posed by our industry partner UST, the task was to create a functional COVID-19 Health Registration System for HR Departments. They successfully developed a responsive website with a data visualization dashboard, trackable QR codes and email alert system -- all under 24 hours!
Tech Education: A forward-thinking tech school
On average, the tech industry takes eight months to a year to retrain fresh graduates with computer science or software engineering degrees so they are fit for service, observes Howie Chang, founder and CEO of Forward School. That was the reality he faced when he worked in product management for tech start-ups in Singapore. “A lot of what they study is textbook-based and not what the industry needs. It shouldn’t be this way. They spend four years studying for a degree, and when they graduate, the company still has to train them while paying their salaries,” says Chang. His resolve to address this problem was strengthened when he returned to Penang four years ago and became a consultant to the state government, tasked with growing the start-up ecosystem. “We don’t have a lack of good ideas in Malaysia but we are always lacking people who can actually execute them. They don’t have the necessary skill sets,” says Chang.
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