Latest news with #MalaysianSkillsCertificate
The Star
7 days ago
- 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.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Selangor invests RM16m yearly in TVET to empower youth, boost skills
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is committing RM16 million each year to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, aiming to uplift youth, including those from the Indian community. State executive councillor for Human Resources and Poverty Eradication, V. Papparaidu, confirmed the funding covers sponsorships at institutions like the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC). Programmes under the Malaysian Skills Certificate, Professional Skills Certificate, and Short-Term Skills Courses are included in the initiative. Papparaidu noted that STDC produces 1,200 to 1,500 graduates annually across various fields, with equal opportunities for all eligible Selangor residents. 'Indian youths make up 30 to 40 percent of STDC applicants yearly, showing growing family support and peer inspiration from successful graduates,' he said during the Selangor state assembly sitting. The response came after Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim (PH–Kota Damansara) inquired about state efforts to expand Indian youth participation in TVET. Beyond sponsorships, the RM16 million allocation supports TVET module development and partnerships with local and international institutions. 'This strengthens the TVET ecosystem, ensuring trainees meet industry demands,' Papparaidu added. The state has also allocated over RM15 million for Indian community-specific programmes, including RM4.43 million for Deepavali shopping vouchers benefiting 22,150 B40 recipients. - Bernama
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
McDONALD'S VOCATIONAL ACADEMY POWERS YOUTH
The fifth convocation ceremony of the McDonald's Vocational Academy saw more than 1,000 students graduate at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam on June 30. The programme is a collaborative co-curricular initiative with the Department of Skills Development (JPK) under the Human Resources Ministry, conducted through the National Dual Training System (SLDN). It supports the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda by aiming to boost workforce development and strengthen industry relevance. Successful graduates were presented with the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM). Officiating the event was Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The programme is designed to be practical and industry-focused, consisting of 70% hands-on training in McDonald's outlets and 30% classroom-based theoretical learning. McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar highlighted that the academy has trained over 5,000 graduates since its inception in 2018, with many hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (PwD), Orang Asli communities, and others who may not have had access to formal education. 'More than 80% of our graduates choose to build meaningful careers with us. Some of these youths have risen to become restaurant managers or even specialists at our corporate office, which makes it a powerful testament to what skills training and opportunity can do. 'This shows that McDonald's Malaysia is not just offering jobs, but lifelong learning opportunities that can change lives,' said Azmir. McDonald's Malaysia fully funds each apprentice's training, which includes a monthly allowance, housing, meals, insurance, medical coverage, Socso protection and EPF contributions. Total investment is RM40,000 per apprentice. Graduates are not bound by any post-training employment contract, giving them the freedom to explore further opportunities should they wish. Complementing the vocational apprentice programme is Hamburger U, an internal leadership and restaurant management training institution that offers advanced courses in administration, leadership and business management for current employees and university students in partnership with local universities. Among the notable collaborations are the Management Apprentice Programme (MAP), Graduate Employability Programme (GEP) and Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (IP). McDonald's Malaysia has also partnered with local universities to offer degree pathways under the 3U1i model — three years of university study followed by one year of industrial training, with guaranteed employment upon graduation. The success of the vocational apprentice programme aligns closely with national efforts to strengthen TVET as a mainstream career pathway and also demonstrates how corporate-private sector partnerships can drive talent development and long-term economic impact. Among the award recipients was Muhammad Hfiy Haikal Ruslan, 18, who said the programme benefitted him as he has a strong interest in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. 'I learnt discipline, leadership and team collaboration at the academy, which will help me when I take my career further,' he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity given by McDonald's to be part of the programme. Hfiy also recounted being involved in a serious accident that left him in a coma for a month. Despite the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, he pushed through and returned to complete his training. His perseverance earned him the Outstanding Apprentice Award (Theory). Another award recipient was Raidi Hamizan Rozki, 18, who received the Overall Outstanding Apprentice Award. 'I attended a talk regarding the programme and was amazed by it, and my mother was very encouraging, which is why I decided to join.' Raidi, who loves to cook, made his parents proud while his siblings' eyes welled with pride as he walked toward them. Now a crew leader at a McDonald's outlet, he hopes to pursue a diploma in halal industry management and eventually return to the programme as an educator. 'I would like to be the one teaching students one day and help them to excel and succeed, just as I did.' Despite the learning challenges that come with autism, Nur Farrah Adibah Razali, 21, from Kuala Berang, Terengganu, proudly overcame the odds to graduate. Farrah was encouraged by her teachers to enrol in the academy, where she received practical training at McDonald's outlets — learning to pack food and make drinks. She also received a monthly allowance during her time at the academy. 'Thanks to the monthly allowance, I was able to help lessen some of my family's financial burdens.' Wak Jenny Azman, from the Semai Tribe in Tapah, Perak, was initially afraid to leave her home, four younger siblings, and close-knit village community. But determined to support her family, she took a brave step — and soon found new friends, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Today, the 21-year-old is a crew leader at McDonald's Putra Heights, where she leads a team of eight. 'I want to share with my Orang Asli friends that they should come out and give this programme a try. 'Right now, I want to reach as high as I can, and hopefully, I can save enough (money) to visit South Korea,' said the daughter of a farmer.
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Borneo Post
294 trainees complete police training at Pulapol Kuching
Hamzah (third left) presents an award to a recipient in recognition of outstanding performance during the training programme. KUCHING (July 3): A total of 294 trainees have successfully completed their six-month basic training under the Police Constable Basic Training Programme (PLAK) at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here today. Gracing the passing out parade was Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Datuk Hamzah Ahmad, who said the event not only marked the conclusion of their training but also the beginning of a lifelong duty to serve with honour and integrity as members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). According to Hamzah, the cohort comprises individuals from a variety of academic and skills backgrounds, including seven with the Malaysian Skills Certificate, 233 with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), one with the Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), 42 with the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), nine with diplomas, and two with other qualifications. 'This shows that the PDRM welcomes recruits from diverse academic and skill backgrounds, adding value to the force,' he said. Hamzah also highlighted the evolving challenges faced by the police today, noting that officers are now dealing with both conventional crimes such as robbery and theft and modern threats, including cybercrime, online scams, misinformation and social media slander. 'In today's fast-paced digital and social media landscape, every member of the police force must be intelligent, technologically literate snd uphold integrity without compromise. 'The credibility of the force lies in the actions of each of its members. He also paid tribute to the trainers for their dedication and professionalism, describing the quality of the graduates as a reflection of their commitment. He concluded by urging the trainees to uphold the dignity of the uniform and the name of PDRM. 'Serve with sincerity. Be firm without brutality, approachable without weakness, and professional in all circumstances 'The people's trust in the police depends on your ethics and conduct in the field,' he said. During the event, three trainees were honoured for their outstanding performance throughout the course. Constable Alfred Johari from Platoon 10/Bravo, 26, who holds a bachelor's degree and hails from Pitas, Sabah, was named Best Academic Trainee. The Best Outdoor Training Trainee award went to Constable Azroy Azmon Juanis, 21, from Platoon 4/Alpha. He holds the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and comes from Kampung Indah Nabawan, Sabah. Meanwhile, Overall Best Trainee was awarded to Constable Suhaimi Sarman, 25, of Platoon 6/Alpha. He holds the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) and is from Kampung Pulau Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. complete lead Police Constable Basic Training Programme trainees
