Latest news with #Massila
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Revving up TVET talent
WHILE technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is presented as a central pillar of national development in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) (see infographic), systemic reform and lasting progress can only happen with the support of industries, institutions, parents and communities, stakeholders say. Funding Among the key 13MP highlights is the introduction of the Perkasa TVET Madani Financing Scheme and TVET Training Fund aimed at encouraging youth participation. National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said the effectiveness of the financing scheme and training fund will depend on ecosystem-wide reforms. Teh While the schemes are commendable and necessary, he said they should be seen as entry points, not solutions in isolation. 'Its reforms would have to include image-building, quality assurance, stronger employer involvement and meaningful post-training outcomes. 'Only then can these financial tools become true enablers of a thriving and competitive TVET ecosystem,' he said. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin, in an op ed to StarEdu, said the TVET Training Fund is closely intertwined with strategic industry collaboration. 'This ensures participants no longer follow generic training with no added value, but are provided with skills that are relevant to current market needs – such as electric vehicles (EV), automation, renewable energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Prof Massila 'All this time, rural youth have been held back from participating in TVET programmes due to constraints related to cost, location and job opportunities. 'The 13MP breaks these barriers by offering comprehensive financial support that enables B40 and M40 youths to pursue education without heavy financial burdens,' she said, adding that continuous support from all stakeholders will elevate the TVET ecosystem to new levels of excellence. Tahfiz inclusion Describing the move to extend TVET programmes to tahfiz students as 'bold and meaningful', Teh, however, stressed the need for striking the right balance between religious learning and technical training. 'The curriculum needs to be thoughtfully designed so that both are delivered with quality,' he said. Prof Massila said the approach empowers tahfiz students to become self-reliant, pursue entrepreneurship, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. 'The public perception of tahfiz institutions will shift from solely religious centres to hubs for holistic talent development – balancing spiritual and technical excellence,' she said. New expertise Prof Dr Razali Hassan from the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education said the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Levels 6, 7 and 8 under the 13MP must focus on providing workers with high cognitive abilities and strong 21st-century and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills. 'These can be considered 'master skills' and should reflect advanced capabilities,' he said. Prof Razali He also said SKM Levels 6 to 8 should be carefully managed under a single pathway to avoid confusion, as having both the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) oversee higher-level TVET could complicate their implementation. Expanding on this, Teh said SKM Levels 6 to 8 represent a big step towards putting vocational education on equal footing with academic pathways. 'By aligning these levels with diploma and degree standards, it helps change how employers and universities view TVET graduates, not just as hands-on workers, but as skilled professionals with real expertise. 'This could lead to better job opportunities, fairer pay and even open doors for further studies,' he said, adding that most importantly, it sends a strong message that choosing TVET is not a backup plan, but a smart and respected path forward. High-growth, high-value (HGHV) Prof Massila said this restructuring equips the country's strategic sectors with a highly skilled workforce capable of filling critical positions worth billions of ringgit. It is not just about training the youth, but also about raising the country's economic resilience and increasing industrial productivity, she said. This, in turn, creates premium jobs with higher salaries – thus raising the standard of living of the people. The move also attracts high-quality investment. International investors want to see a competent workforce before investing, and TVET HGHV provides that guarantee, she added. Better wages Prof Razali welcomed the extension of minimum wage protection to TVET graduates and semi-skilled workers, under MASCO Code 8 and above, calling it a necessary step. 'To meet occupational standards, these workers undergo formal training that incurs cost. It's only fair they are compensated accordingly,' he said. Echoing this view, Pertubuhan Penggerak Huffaz Berkemahiran Selangor chairman Datuk Ahmad Tajudin Jab said TVET graduates should be entitled to a minimum wage to ensure they can perform their duties in line with occupational standards. Ahmad Tajudin He explained that achieving such standards requires formal education and training, which involves significant costs. Teh, however, cautioned that while extending minimum wage protection is a good start, it is not sufficient on its own to fully reflect the skills and qualifications of TVET graduates and semi-skilled workers. 'While it helps set a basic floor and prevents exploitation, minimum wage doesn't recognise the added value and technical expertise many TVET graduates bring to the table. 'What's needed is a clear skills-based wage structure, one that rewards experience, specialisation and certification levels. 'Without this, there's a risk that skilled workers will still feel undervalued and that could discourage more youth from choosing TVET,' he said. He added that to make the system fairer and more attractive, wage policies must go beyond the minimum and reflect the real worth of technical talent in the job market. Inclusive, ethical reform The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) underscores the need for holistic human capital development, a strengthened higher education system, and the integration of Madani values to build a competitive, progressive, and inclusive nation, says the Higher Education Ministry. Initiatives outlined in the plan involve the empowerment of TVET, digitalisation of learning, internationalisation of universities, and the advancement of high-impact research, said the ministry in a statement on July 31. It added that these reforms aim to future-proof the education landscape and align national development with global trends. 'As the main leader in driving the country's higher education agenda, the ministry is committed to playing a comprehensive role in achieving the goals of the 13MP. 'The ministry will intensify efforts across areas, including strengthening governance, rationalising the functions and roles of educational institutions, improving educational outcomes, enhancing educator competence and efficiency, boosting investment in education, empowering lifelong learning, and strengthening the TVET ecosystem. 'In line with the thrust of Malaysia Madani, the ministry will continue to implement policies and initiatives anchored in noble values and driven by the needs of the people,' the statement read. The ministry also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in making the 13MP a success. 'The real and lasting progress we envision cannot rest on the government alone. 'We call on all stakeholders, higher education institutions, agencies, industries and the community, to join us in this shared mission,' it said. Prof Whitford The 13MP and the National AI Action Plan 2030 are a forward-looking vision for education and talent development. These blueprints signal a decisive move towards nurturing ethical, digitally fluent and globally competitive Malaysians. The 13MP is not just a plan for national development; it's a roadmap for reshaping the human capital landscape of Malaysia. We applaud its emphasis on character, AI literacy, digital skills and entrepreneurship. The government's commitment to paid, compulsory internships and new metrics for graduate outcomes directly supports UoC's initiatives to strengthen real-world readiness. UoC also supports the 13MP's proposed pilot autonomy for universities, recognising this as a critical step towards greater innovation, agility and accountability in higher education. The varsity is prepared to work closely with both public and private stakeholders to ensure high-impact research, academic excellence and internationalisation remain core to Malaysia's tertiary education future. --University of Cyberjaya (UoC) vice-chancellor Prof David Whitford The 13MP represents more than just a planning document. The government is continuing to strengthen its strategies to tackle three national challenges: labour productivity, youth unemployment and skills mismatch. The emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility under the 13MP marks a significant turning point for rural students and marginalised communities. Our hope is that no young person is left behind from the opportunity to build a future through TVET, and that TVET graduates are equipped with the right skills, and that they fill critical workforce gaps to power Malaysia's economy to greater heights. --UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin The success of the TVET initiatives rests on the government's ability to address the needs of students, particularly at the upper secondary level. Students at this level are divided into two broad categories: the academically inclined (40%) and non-academically inclined (60%). TVET should be provided for the 60% at the Form Four level as this group often struggles academically and may only achieve average Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results. By the time TVET is offered post-SPM, many are no longer interested and prefer to start working, making existing schemes less effective. --Pertubuhan Penggerak Huffaz Berkemahiran Selangor chairman Datuk Ahmad Tajudin Jab
The Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Emphasis on TVET in 13MP a game-changer
PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) underscores the government's renewed push to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a national game-changer, but while policy ambitions run high, fresh graduates are watching with cautious optimism. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the TVET focus reflects a serious commitment to addressing youth unemployment, closing skills gaps and boosting labour productivity. 'The Perkasa TVET Madani Financing Scheme and the TVET Training Fund show that the government is not merely talking, it's acting. These initiatives are crucial for B40 and M40 youths, especially those in rural and remote areas.' Massila said the financing schemes would cover both training fees and living expenses, a move aimed at removing long-standing barriers for rural youth. She added that at the same time, the training fund is being aligned with key industries such as electric vehicles, automation, renewable energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. 'There is now a clearer route from classroom to career. Graduates won't just walk away with a certificate, they will also have access to jobs through industry partnerships, or a path to further study via the Malaysian Technical University Network.' She highlighted the need to take TVET to marginalised communities through mobile TVET programmes and satellite training centres, reaching deep into villages, islands and Orang Asli settlements. 'This approach ensures that no one is left behind in national development.' Massila praised ongoing efforts to expand TVET to tahfiz students, allowing them to become huffaz who are spiritually grounded yet technically skilled, and better positioned for entrepreneurship. 'Programmes like Jelita (Job Empowerment by Learning and Inclusive Technical Advancement) have already shown success. Over 80% of its women participants found jobs after completing training in technical fields.' While policy thinkers laud these plans, recent graduates say it is still in its early days. The government plan to align wages, including a minimum wage above RM1,700 and a RM3,100 benchmark for GLC and GLIC sectors, has sparked hope, but some graduates say the current pay still falls short of real costs. Nur Ameera, 20, a construction management employee and Teknologi Pembinaan graduate from Taiping Vocational College, said her current salary of about RM1,700 is acceptable for someone still adapting to the demands of the job. 'The skills we learn in training don't always match what we face at work. I'm still learning every day. 'People think TVET students are lazy, but in truth, we're very hands-on and practical. We just need the right support to prove our worth.' Dina Syazwani Nor Azlan, 20, who works in human resources, said the RM3,100 benchmark is a fair aspiration, although her current allowance remains modest. 'For now, the experience and mentorship I'm gaining are more valuable than the pay,' she said, adding that a fair starting salary in her field should fall between RM1,800 and RM1,900. Despite the pay gap, both graduates said they would recommend the TVET path to SPM school-leavers, citing stronger job-readiness and real-world skills.
The Star
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
UTeM's electronics lab notches a national first
MELAKA: What started as a quiet research laboratory tucked within Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) here has propelled the institution to national acclaim. The university's Micro & Nano Electronics Laboratory (MiNE) has become the first in the country to be awarded the prestigious Cadence Design Systems' Certified Lab status. UTeM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the recognition sets a new benchmark not only for the university but the entire country's academic and technological landscape. It also reflects the growing global relevance of home-grown innovation in integrated circuit (IC) design, she added. "The certification, awarded by Cadence Design Systems from the United States, recognises MiNE's capabilities in using Virtuoso technology, a globally used platform in analogue IC and custom layout design. 'This achievement positions UTeM as a key player in the global semiconductor education ecosystem,' she told The Star on Tuesday (July 29). Prof Massila noted that the Virtuoso Cadence platform, which has nearly 60% market share in analogue IC custom design, is considered an industry standard, making the certification even more meaningful. "The software is widely used and remains in high demand. For our students, this means access to world-class tools and training that align with real-world industry expectations,' she said. Prof Massila said that as part of the Cadence IC Design Certification, UTeM students will undergo structured training and take industry-recognised badge examinations, giving them a solid foundation and a competitive edge in the job market. 'This is a golden opportunity that strengthens the employability of our graduates and boosts their confidence to compete on the global stage,' she added. Prof Massila said the MiNE Lab, under the Faculty of Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology, is led by three Cadence-certified trainers who ensure that the laboratory meets international standards for training and research. She said the certification supports UTeM's 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, which emphasises preparing an industry-ready workforce. "It also aligns with the Higher Education Ministry's goals for national talent development," she added.
The Star
21-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Award is recognition of UTeM's efforts to drive education excellence, says VC
MELAKA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) will continue to affirm its excellence as a leading technical higher education institution, says its vice-chancellor. Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said UTeM remains committed to empowering students' potential through high-innovation learning methods, strengthening its impactful research ecosystem, and broadening access to future technologies and skills. She said that these initiatives are ultimately aimed at producing holistic, highly competent graduates capable of competing on a global stage. Massila made this comment in a statement to The Star after UTeM was named the recipient of the National Education Innovation Award at the Empowering Education Summit 2025, held at a prominent hotel in Penang. The prestigious award was presented by the Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow and was witnessed by the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek on Monday (April 21). Accepting the award on behalf of UTeM was Prof Dr Zulkifilie Ibrahim, deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) who represented Massila. Massila said that the award signifies high recognition of UTeM's outstanding efforts in driving education innovation grounded in technology, human values and future-oriented thinking. "This recognition is in line with the core focus of the Higher Education Transformation 2025, particularly in the area of 'Developing the Nation's Finest Talent'. "It also stems from the framework of UTeM's Strategic Plan 2023–2025, which centres on five key pillars that directly support the culture of innovation within UTeM's educational approach,' she added. The one-day Empowering Education Summit 2025 brought together educational leaders, institutional heads, and collaborative partners from across the country, united in their mission to shape a more inclusive and progressive Malaysian education landscape.
