Latest news with #TVET


The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
TVET drives young agri talent
SIX of the nation's 86 vocational colleges offer agriculture-related programmes, with studies carried out yearly to determine community and market needs in every state. This, says Education Ministry Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Division director Ts Zulkernai Fauzi (pic), is among the ministry's efforts to help ensure the sustainability of the sector and foster innovation and economic growth. 'Collaborations through initiatives like the GoGreen@Kebuniti programme with other ministries and agencies have also encouraged young people to be involved in agriculture-related activities,' he told StarEdu. He added that the ministry's TVET programmes have successfully trained youth in modern agricultural techniques, such as precision farming, aquaponics and agrotechnology, equipping them for contemporary challenges. 'Students receive practical exposure to farming techniques, crop management and livestock care through on-campus farms and internships. 'Training also emphasises entrepreneurship, helping students develop business plans and gain skills to start their ventures,' he said. Acknowledging the importance of youth participation in agrotourism, Zulkernai said TVET graduates, particularly those with specialised training in agriculture, tourism and hospitality, are well-positioned to drive Malaysia's agrotourism sector. 'Their skills in modern farming, entrepreneurship and digital technology not only can improve the profitability and sustainability of agricultural ventures but also enhance the overall tourist experience,' he said. He added that construction, electrical and mechanical engineering graduates can contribute to building and maintaining farm facilities, accommodations and other tourism infrastructure. 'Digital marketing training enables graduates to help promote agrotourism ventures online, attracting a broader audience. 'TVET programmes in hospitality prepare graduates to manage guest services, create experiences and ensure customer satisfaction, which are essential for a successful agrotourism enterprise. 'With specialised knowledge in environmental conservation, graduates can design sustainable farm practices that are appealing to eco-conscious tourists and create educational workshops or interactive sessions for tourists, such as demonstrations on organic farming, aquaponics or traditional agricultural methods,' he said. Zulkernai, however, pointed out that addressing issues like perception, industry collaboration and resource constraints will be crucial for increasing youth engagement and ensuring agriculture's sustainability as a vibrant career sector in the future. 'Investing in TVET education and integrating it with agrotourism initiatives can create a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture and tourism while fostering rural development and food security,' he said. He added that developing Malaysia's agrotourism sector requires a comprehensive approach that combines skill-building, financial support, innovation and community engagement. 'By creating opportunities and removing barriers, these strategies can empower young agrotourism entrepreneurs to thrive while contributing to Malaysia's economic growth and sustainable tourism goals,' he concluded. – By ROWENA CHUA

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
UMNO–PKR Ties In Unity Govt Intact Despite Tengku Zafrul's Exit
BATU PAHAT, May 31 (Bernama) -- UMNO's cooperation with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) within the Unity Government remains intact despite Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's resignation from the party, said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari, who is UMNO vice-president, said both parties must remain united in their efforts to ensure the country's political stability. 'For example, in government, I play a role in national development as a minister. Political developments are normal, but they should not affect the strength of our coalition within the Unity Government and the country,' he said. bootstrap slideshow He was speaking to reporters after officiating the MADANI Adopted Village (KAM) programme handover ceremony for the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) at Kampung Parit Bilal here today. Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul, who is Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, announced his resignation as a UMNO Supreme Council member, Kota Raja division chief and party member. On today's programme, Johari, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, said a total of RM2.5 million has been allocated to Kampung Parit Bilal and Kampung Parit Ahmad under the KPK MADANI Adopted Village initiative. bootstrap slideshow The funds will go toward implementing various development projects, including upgrading educational facilities, houses of worship and basic infrastructure, he said. He said the initiative also involves strategic cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies, the Batu Pahat district office, Johor state development office, village development and security committees (JPKK) and local community leaders. 'Among the activities planned are entrepreneurship training, such as chocolate-making courses and outreach programmes under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) MyCommodity initiative,' Johari added.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Train young Sabahans to become highly skilled in O&G sector
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged oil and gas (O&G) industry players to play a role in training more young Sabahans, both at the university level and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, to address the sector's workforce needs. Anwar emphasised that such training is vital to ensure that young workers in the O&G sector meet the set standards and requirements, becoming highly skilled workers, thereby reducing mismatches in the industry. He also called on state and federal government agencies to be more flexible in allowing individuals to enter the field even without formal certificates. 'Let them undergo training and ensure that the training meets the industry's standards and requirements,' he said when officiating the launch ceremony of the RM6.4 billion Phase One Esteel project here, today. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The three-phase project, worth RM31 billion and undertaken by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park, represents a promising development for Sabah as the state advances in unlocking its full potential. Anwar stressed the importance of providing appropriate training, including opportunities for young Sabahans to enhance their skills outside the state, before returning as qualified professionals such as engineers or technicians. For instance, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the national oil and gas company, is providing comprehensive skills training focused primarily on the sector, the prime minister noted. 'Do not compromise. Think about the future of your students—they will be better prepared to serve the industry,' he added. Meanwhile, Anwar highlighted that Malaysia's political stability and clarity in economic policies have boosted investor confidence, contributing to the country's success in attracting foreign investment across various sectors. He also pointed out that the efficiency and transparency of civil servants in executing their duties are important in ensuring there are no bureaucratic obstacles hindering development projects. 'Investors are confident because of political stability, clear policies—especially economic policies—and effective execution at the ground level in project approvals,' he added.


Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Train young Sabahans to become highly skilled in O&G sector – PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor doing the launching gimmick of the RM6.4 billion Phase One Esteel project at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) KOTA KINABALU (May 30): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged oil and gas (O&G) industry players to play a role in training more young Sabahans, both at the university level and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, to address the sector's workforce needs. Anwar emphasised that such training is vital to ensure that young workers in the O&G sector meet the set standards and requirements, becoming highly skilled workers, thereby reducing mismatches in the industry. He also called on state and federal government agencies to be more flexible in allowing individuals to enter the field even without formal certificates. 'Let them undergo training and ensure that the training meets the industry's standards and requirements,' he said when officiating the launch ceremony of the RM6.4 billion Phase One Esteel project here, on Friday. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The three-phase project, worth RM31 billion and undertaken by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park, represents a promising development for Sabah as the state advances in unlocking its full potential. Anwar stressed the importance of providing appropriate training, including opportunities for young Sabahans to enhance their skills outside the state, before returning as qualified professionals such as engineers or technicians. For instance, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the national oil and gas company, is providing comprehensive skills training focused primarily on the sector, the prime minister noted. 'Do not compromise. Think about the future of your students — they will be better prepared to serve the industry,' he added. Meanwhile, Anwar highlighted that Malaysia's political stability and clarity in economic policies have boosted investor confidence, contributing to the country's success in attracting foreign investment across various sectors. He also pointed out that the efficiency and transparency of civil servants in executing their duties are important in ensuring there are no bureaucratic obstacles hindering development projects. 'Investors are confident because of political stability, clear policies — especially economic policies — and effective execution at the ground level in project approvals,' he added. —Bernama


Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar to Sabah: Let industry lead TVET training to avoid skills mismatch
KOTA KINABALU, May 30 — Sabah must put more focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that can produce more competitive workers for today's as well as future markets, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that companies and those running TVET programmes needed to be flexible and industry-driven to better meet market requirements instead of using bureaucracy and outdated technical rules as excuses. 'It might not be a formal certificate by the ministry, it may be a certificate by the company which can be as good or at times better than some of our departments. Let them handle the training, let them make sure that the training meets the standards and more so the requirements of that particular industry. 'If they want 200 people from a particular event or university to work in the company or in the industry, let them train them so that there will not be a mismatch between what is being trained and what is required by the industry,' he said. He was speaking at the launching of the first phase of the Esteel Entreprise project in Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here, today. The finance minister said it was important to bridge the gap between what the central agencies were teaching and what the industry needed. Anwar said that the traditional model, where training institutions operate independently of industry input, risks producing graduates whose skills do not align with real-world needs. He said that past successful collaborations in Kuala Lumpur's High Tech area, the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone, and Melaka as examples where industry and academia jointly shape training to meet market needs. He said such models should be introduced in Sabah, particularly in light of upcoming large-scale investments. 'Don't give some bureaucratic, technical rules. You think about the future of your students and they will be better served if the industry trains these people for their requirements. If they need to be sent to either Kuala Lumpur or China, then come back as qualified engineers or technicians,' he said.