Govt inks TVET cooperation with 18 local and global companies

Govt inks TVET cooperation with 18 local and global companies

23 Feb 2023

The Rural and Regional Development Ministry today empowered the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda by inking strategic cooperations with 18 local and global companies.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the exchange of documents would lead to more skilled workers in the land, aviation and maritime industries.

“Having a skilled workforce with qualified in TVET can attract foreign investors, too.

“Our aim is not to provide cheap labour but skilled workers. This is because we have to emerge from the perception of being a third-world country.

“(We need to move) From a developing country now to one that is developed,” said Zahid, who also holds the rural and regional development portfolio, at the exchange of documents ceremony between the ministry’s TVET institutions (InstitusiTVET@KKDW) and industry players at UniKL-Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL-MIAT) campus, here.

Present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and UniKL president Datuk Dr Roziah Omar.

The cooperation completes the TVET@KKDW education ecosystem, which uses the Industry-Based Education concept and the Teaching Factory model to enable students to gain working experience.

The companies include German Auto Garage Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd, Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, Vale Malaysia Minerals Sdn Bhd, Turkish Aerospace Inc and Hammock Helicopter Sdn Bhd.

The 18 companies will work closely with institutions under the ministry: GiatMara, Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Perda, Institut Kemahiran Mara, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara and UniKL.

Zahid said TVET played a vital role in propelling the nation to be on a par with developed countries.

“It would not be too much for me to say that TVET is the key to the country’s progress in the future. TVET education will spearhead the government’s efforts to churn out a highly skilled workforce and reduce the dependence on foreign workers.

“This is why the government stresses on TVET because we realise the demand and the needs of the industry for capable human capital as well as high and fast moving technology advancement.

“My aim is to get 100 per cent graduates from UniKL and other TVET institutions to be employed,” he added.

Source: NST