UNSW Sydney has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global retailer Uniqlo in a bid to bolster the next generation of students across various employment pathways.
Representatives from UNSW and Uniqlo Australia, along with senior leaders from Fast Retailing Group – Uniqlo’s parent company with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan – attended the signing.
Key features of the deal include boosting student employability and leadership skills through structured programs that highlight practical learning experiences and industry-specific mentorship programs with the global fashion retailer.
“At UNSW Employability, we are always exploring new avenues to support our students in shaping the futures they aspire to,” UNSW head of employability Esmond Esguerra said.
“The agreement opens the door to immersive industry experiences, enabling UNSW students to apply their learning in impactful, real-world contexts.”
UNSW Business School and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) students will be the first to benefit from this deal, which includes streamlined pathways to programs such as Uniqlo’s graduate program ‘Uniqlo Management Candidate Program (UMC) – which provides students with practical experience in retail operations and management.
Another pathway includes the Global Management Program (GMP), where students can acquire basic knowledge of fast retailing and integrate the knowledge to decide a business solution plan while proposing their own ideas to their peers around the world.
“Students will get invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge, develop business savvy, and gain insight into responsible business practice in a globally leading organisation,” professor Paul Andon, senior deputy dean (education and student experience) at UNSW Business School, said.
It’s intended that the programs will involve high-performing UNSW students and graduates from 2026 onward. Criteria include academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential and a passion for the retail industry.
“As Uniqlo continues to grow both in Australia and globally, it is important to recognise that our people are at the heart of everything we do,” Uniqlo Australia chief financial officer Tim Routley said. “From every customer interaction, in-store experience or product innovation, this is led by the talent and passion of our teams.”
Routley added the partnership with UNSW would allow Uniqlo to connect with bright, ambitious students who may become future leaders within the business.
“In return, we hope this partnership also adds value for UNSW, by offering students industry exposure, career pathways, practical learning opportunities and insights into how a global retail company operates at scale,” Routley said. “We see this as true collaboration, where both Uniqlo and UNSW grow, learn, and benefit from each other.”
Dr Tomoaki Kuroyanagi, director of the information security office and the CEO office of Fast Retailing Group, called the signing a milestone for the brand in Australia.
“We believe this agreement will bring fresh perspectives to our teams and support the continuous innovation that drives Fast Retailing forward,” Dr Kuroyanagi said.