Latest news with #MalaysianSkillsCertificate
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
KYF graduates 534 at 26th convocation, boosts TVET talent
KUALA LUMPUR:** A total of 534 graduates from Kolej Yayasan Felda (KYF) received their scrolls at the 26th convocation ceremony held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The graduates were awarded the Malaysian Skills Diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate in fields such as Food Preparation, Pastry and Bakery Management, and Administrative Management. Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek highlighted the significance of this year's event, coinciding with the Mega 3 Dimensi Carnival (KM3D). 'KM3D combines Felda Settlers Day, the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival, and the One District One Industry Showcase, showcasing the synergy between education, entrepreneurship, and rural industrial heritage,' he said. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the ceremony. Ahmad Shabery emphasised KYF's role as a TVET-focused institution, offering industry-aligned programmes to produce skilled graduates. 'KYF provides full-time courses, Academy in Industry collaborations, and modular programmes to widen access to skills education,' he added. Since its establishment, Felda has driven social mobility and education in rural communities. 'Felda isn't just about land development—it nurtures minds through knowledge and talent,' Ahmad Shabery noted. To date, 31,633 KYF graduates have entered the workforce across various sectors. - Bernama
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Kolej Yayasan Felda Continues To Nurture TVET Talent, 534 Receive Scrolls At 26th Convocation
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- A total of 534 Kolej Yayasan Felda (KYF) graduates from the 2023/2024 session received their scrolls at the 26th KYF Convocation Ceremony held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the graduates were awarded the Malaysian Skills Diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate in various fields, including Food Preparation and Manufacturing Services, Pastry and Bakery Management, and Administrative Management. He said this year's convocation ceremony was even more meaningful as it coincided with three national-level mega events held under the Mega 3 Dimensi Carnival (KM3D). 'KM3D is a combination of Felda Settlers Day, the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival, and the One District One Industry Showcase. This highlights the synergy between educational development, entrepreneurship, and the country's rural industrial heritage,' he said after the ceremony. The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Shabery said that as a skills-oriented educational institution, KYF remains committed to producing competent, competitive and career-ready graduates through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)-based programmes tailored to industry needs and supported by various training initiatives. 'Among the training offered are full-time programmes at KYF, the Academy in Industry Programme in collaboration with industry partners, the Certification Programme through Recognition of Prior Achievement, and the Modular Programme for various segments of society. 'This effort reflects Yayasan Felda's commitment to expanding access to skills education for all groups, including school leavers, youth and experienced individuals,' he said, adding that 31,633 KYF graduates have entered the workforce across various sectors to date. He said Felda has, since its inception, served as a catalyst for social mobility and education among rural communities, including through the establishment of KYF.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Fast-track programme to turn skilled workers into engineers, says Zahid
SHAH ALAM: The government will roll out an upskilling initiative to fast-track skilled workers into engineering programmes, in an effort to address the nationwide shortage of engineers. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative would enable skilled workers to become engineers in various fields by adding just one or two years to their existing studies. "Currently, Malaysia produces only 6,000 engineers annually. In the short to medium term, we are focusing on upskilling skilled workers to address the shortage of 60,000 engineers. "Those who have completed the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 5 — equivalent to a diploma — will be upskilled and placed in six universities under the Malaysian Technical University Network," said Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council. He was speaking at a press conference after launching the TVET programme at Management and Science University in Shah Alam today. When asked about the timeline to resolve the shortage, Zahid said it could take up to 10 years at the current rate. However, he added that the government aimed at accelerating the process with support from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Department of Skills Development (JKM), through a synchronisation initiative to unify accreditation frameworks. "With this approach, SKM Level 5 graduates may be able to complete their studies within three to four semesters, depending on the training they previously received from their TVET institutions. "This fast-track approach does not compromise quality, as credit transfers are officially recognised by MQA and JKM. This enables us to significantly increase the number of professional engineers in the country," he said. On July 17, Zahid had urged Malaysian professionals working abroad — especially engineers — to return home and contribute to national development. He said that low salaries in Malaysia had driven many to seek better opportunities overseas.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sim walking the talk for TVET
KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to champion technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Human Resources Minister Steven Sim will be sitting for the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) to pave the way for its importance. Sim is aiming to excel with some 100 industry leaders in the 5th level of the SKM, which is the highest band – for now. The 5th level is the equivalent to receiving an advanced diploma that can secure a job placement. 'The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is a TVET revolution. 'An education programme should be training individuals for the real world by making them learn on the job and by practice,' Sim said during the National Economic Forum 2025 held here yesterday. Sim said in order to invest in a long-term strategy to enhance the value of the country's economy, there is a significant need for diverse skills and talents. He said the Cabinet has agreed to table an amendment to the National Skills Development Act 2006 to increase the levels of SKM to 6, 7 and 8, to enhance the quality of TVET in the country. He said these levels were equivalent to an individual receiving a degree or a master's certification. 'We want to make sure the recipients are not just stuck at level 5 (advanced diploma), but to go all out to higher levels.' He also hopes that the Bill would be tabled in Parliament this year. 'Through TVET, Malaysia can pivot to a high-value, innovation-driven economy by building skilled talent.' He also claimed that traditional universities are not matched for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, which exists for skills. 'An education programme for our future generations should have two components. 'First, learning on the job, and second, learning by practice. 'In other words, a skills training programme or education programme for future talent must be able to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the industry.' He highlighted a flagship programme under the ministry known as Academy In Industry (ADI), which allows students to directly learn within the business environment, in the real world. 'Instead of sitting in classrooms, we want students to learn directly within the business environment,' said Sim while announcing that the programme has almost 2,000 strategic partners from the ministry and 10,000 participants (employees). 'When this programme first started, there were about 40 participants in the first batch. 'After six months of on-the-job, hands-on training, these trainees became so skilled that their future employers said they could expect a starting salary of RM6,000 per month – which is much higher than the minimum wage.' He also pointed out the Ilham programme, which aims to provide 20,000 structured internships focusing on job learning for a longer period without adding more time to their degree courses. 'Under this programme, we not only provide double tax deductions for all your internship expenditures, but allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the outskirts to use Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) levy to pay their interns.' Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who spoke during a plenary session, reiterated the government's commitment to exploring measures to lessen pressure on the business community amid concerns over rising operational costs and new taxes. Responding to calls for the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate to be reduced to 4%, he said he would convey the concerns to the Cabinet, ensuring the Prime Minister is informed. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by businesses, he said, 'We hope we can relieve some of the burden on the business community. 'I acknowledge the situation is not easy, and discussions with my Cabinet colleagues will focus on how to achieve this.' He said this at the Chambers' Voice – Navigating Malaysia's Path Forward Fireside Dialogue with presidents of Chambers yesterday. When asked about the perceived gap between positive economic indicators and the challenges businesses experience on the ground, Chang highlighted the importance of not solely relying on figures. 'We realise there is always a gap between the indicators and what people are feeling on the ground. 'That's why we need to engage with the business community to understand the real issues they are facing. 'While reforms are aimed at long-term benefits, we must also consider short-term pressures,' he added. Malaysia's business community has been advocating for a revision of the SST, which recently increased from 6% to 8%, alongside concerns over the rising costs of doing business such as electricity tariffs and the planned reduction of fuel subsidies for RON95.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Steven Sim takes SKM Certification to champion TVET revolution
KUALA LUMPUR: Steven Sim will be taking the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) for his fifth-level certification, alongside 100 industry leaders, to prove that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) extends beyond ordinary individuals. 'The IR Industry Revolution 4.0 is a TVET revolution. An education programme should be training individuals for the real world by making them learn on the job and by practice,' said the Human Resources Minister during the National Economic Forum 2025 held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (July 17). He mentioned that the cabinet has agreed to table an amendment to the National Skills Development Act 2006 to increase the levels of SKM to 6, 7 and 8, to enhance the quality of TVET in the country. He said these levels were equivalent to an individual receiving a degree or a master's certification. 'We want to make sure the recipients are not just stuck at level 5 (advanced diploma), but to go all out to higher levels,' said Sim. He also hoped that this bill would be tabled in Parliament this year. At the same time, Sim highlighted a flagship program under the ministry, Academy In Industry (ADI), which allows students to directly learn within the business environment, in the real world. Similarly, he mentioned another program called ILHAM program, which aims to provide 20,000 structured internships focusing on job learning set for a longer period. 'This structured internship is a human factor development. 'Under this programme, we not only provide double tax deduction for all of your internship expenses but also allow SME in the outskirts to use the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) levy to pay your interns, 'said Sim.
