Renowned Portuguese fashion brand Sacoor Brothers and Universiti Malaya (UM) have signed a milestone Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at empowering students, celebrating educators, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Held at the Azman Hashim Building, Faculty of Business and Economics, UM, the MoA was signed in the presence of Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, and Hugo Carriço, Chief Executive Officer of Sacoor Brothers Southeast Asia. Also present were esteemed members of UM’s senior leadership and academic faculty.
This collaboration marks a global milestone for Sacoor Brothers and is a testament to the brand’s belief in the potential of Malaysian talent and its confidence in Universiti Malaya’s vision of shaping future leaders. Out of all the countries where Sacoor Brothers has a presence, Malaysia has been chosen as the first to pilot this strategic educational partnership, making this moment not only historic for both institutions but also for the brand worldwide.
The signing ceremony also marked the official launch of the Faculty of Business and Economics’ Corporate Attire Day. With this launch, students from the faculty are encouraged to attend classes dressed in corporate attire every Monday, embracing the importance of professional appearance and conduct.
In his opening speech, Mr. Carriço shared how this partnership aims to support Sacoor Brothers' and UM’s vision through education, mentorship, and personal style. “This ceremony is more than just a formality,” said Mr. Carriço. “It celebrates a shared vision to prepare the next generation to step into the working world not only with academic excellence but with the presence and confidence that a sharp mind—and a sharp suit—can bring. Aligned with our tagline, The Luxury of Being You, we want to celebrate the unique achievements of the students and faculty at Universiti Malaya and create platforms for them to thrive as individuals and leaders.”
As part of the partnership, Sacoor Brothers will support the Business and Economics faculty through three core initiatives:
1) The Sacoor Brothers High-Achiever Award
Five top-performing students will be selected for the Sacoor Brothers High-Achiever Award, receiving tuition support and a wardrobe sponsorship. This initiative empowers academic excellence and prepares students to enter the professional world with confidence and poise.
2) The Sacoor Brothers Brand Ambassador Programme
Five students with exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements will be selected to represent Sacoor Brothers on campus. Through this ambassadorship, they will receive wardrobe support and serve as style and leadership role models who embody the brand’s values of excellence, creativity, and sophistication
3) Faculty Recognition Initiative
Five top-performing faculty members will be recognised through the Faculty Recognition Initiative, receiving wardrobe sponsorships as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication to shaping future leaders. This reflects Sacoor Brothers’ belief in nurturing talent at every level.
Looking ahead, Sacoor Brothers also plans to provide internship placements and management trainee opportunities for UM students, expanding the scope of the collaboration to offer real-world industry exposure and help mould the next generation of leaders.
Professor Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, highlighted the importance of this industry partnership to equip students with real-world readiness. “It is an honour to formalise this partnership with Sacoor Brothers. As a global apparel brand with a strongly rooted heritage, Sacoor Brothers brings a blend of style and sophistication that will encourage and inspire our students to present themselves with confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.”