PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has become the first UK university to partner with EMCC Global, a leading professional body in coaching, mentoring, and supervision.

Coaching and mentoring are increasingly popular for career development across various sectors such as business, human resources, and science. HWU’s Coaching Lab, which supports staff and students at campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EMCC Global and its respective geographical affiliates. The signing took place at HWU’s Edinburgh Business School.
 
The partnership aims to develop joint research projects and establish continuing professional development by combining research and practice. Students will benefit from networking events with industry leaders, training sessions, workshops, and a pathway to becoming registered coaches and fully accredited members of EMCC Global.
 
Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean of the Edinburgh School and the School of Social Sciences, signed the MoU alongside representatives from EMCC Global and its affiliates. 
 
Professor Laing said: “Our partnership with the EMCC marks a significant milestone in the field of coaching. By bridging academia with industry expertise, this collaboration not only amplifies opportunities for students but also enhances the landscape of professional development. Together, we’re shaping the future of coaching equipping individuals to reach their potential and driving career advancement.” 
 
Dr Ke Guek-Nee, Director of the Heriot-Watt University Coaching Lab and a driving force behind the MoU, highlighted the growing interest in coaching and mentoring. 
 
She said: “This MoU marks a pivotal stride in propelling forward the Coaching Lab’s goals, and our Master’s programmes in coaching psychology theory and practice. Our approach, blending academic rigour with practical expertise, is designed to empower and elevate the impact of both students and staff coaches on personal and organisational development. This strategic collaboration harmonises seamlessly with the University’s vision of being a pioneer in education, collectively working towards fostering a globally connected university.”
 
The MoU promises to create new opportunities for collaboration between all parties, leveraging the global reach of Heriot-Watt’s Coaching Lab, which is a central point for coaching psychology and coaching research across the University.  
 
Alison Mitchell, Head of EMCC Global Centre for Excellence in Research who led on behalf of EMCC Global, said: “It is vital for the future reputation of coaching practice that it is underpinned by evidence-based research. This agreement brings us closer to empowering practitioners to engage with research.”

Dr Riza Kadilar, President of EMCC Global, said: “I’m thrilled with this great step forward, hopefully marking a significant stride towards enhancing global coaching and mentoring standards. This collaboration symbolises our commitment to developing research informed practice fostering excellence and innovation in coaching and mentoring across the world. Together, we aim to develop our collaboration that will empower professionals in our field to better meet the challenges facing our stakeholders now and in the future.”
 
For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, kindly visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/campus.html

SOURCE: Mnair PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Diyana Kamar
Email: N.Shamsul_Kamar@hw.ac.uk 

--BERNAMA