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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Franchising, TVET and tourism ties to be strengthened
LONDON: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi concluded his working visit to the United Kingdom, generating renewed enthusiasm to strengthen ties in the areas of franchising, education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and tourism between the two nations. The Deputy Prime Minister said a joint committee between Malaysia and the UK franchise associations would be formed to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The committee needs to be formed to provide greater market exposure for Malaysian companies, he added. 'We feel there is a lot of potential for Malaysian companies to establish and expand their franchises in the UK, especially in terms of halal products, be they food and beverage, education, cosmetics or even traditional Malay medicine. 'The committee must be formed immediately and I will monitor its performances every six months through the Cabinet committee on franchise, which I chair,' he told reporters towards the end of his four-day visit here. Ahmad Zahid said the decision was made following a dialogue session with franchise players from Malaysia and the UK. The Deputy Prime Minister, who also held a dialogue session with tourism industry players, said engaging with the various industries was an important step, instead of depending solely on government-to-government talks. 'What is more important is business-to-business as well as people-to-people engagements. 'I feel such engagements will have a big impact on the two countries,' he added. On the TVET front, Ahmad Zahid, who gave a public lecture at University College London during his working visit, said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean's TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. 'TVET's intake has reached 436,285, with 53.5% of SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) school-leavers choosing the course. 'Some 94.5% of graduates successfully obtained jobs. 'To further strengthen this achievement, Malaysia will send teaching personnel for further studies through global cooperation with the UK to expand relations with industries and ensure marketability,' he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties with the UK in the areas of TVET, rural development and renewable energy. The move aims to bolster resilience against global climate change, following his meeting with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. 'I also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment towards expanding cooperation with UK academic and industrial institutions, and also touched on cooperation on rural transformation,' he added. During his meeting with Malaysian students, particularly those sponsored by Mara, Ahmad Zahid expressed his pleasure at their enthusiasm regarding the transformative policy on TVET introduced by the government. 'I reiterated that the students, especially the Mara-sponsored ones, must not only gain knowledge abroad but they must return to Malaysia and contribute to the country,' he said. The Deputy Prime Minister departed for Geneva for a working visit.


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kota Madani project expected to be completed by end-2027, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Kota Madani, slated for completion by 2027, aims to provide integrated and centralised basic facilities to support community welfare, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today. During the presentation session, Anwar said that among the planned developments included vertical schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. He added that financial institutions, health clinics, fire stations, police stations and mosques would also be built near the residential areas. "The first phase involves the construction of around 3,000 residential units and a vertical school, expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2027. "The design of the mosque and school will feature local cultural elements, in line with efforts to preserve architecture and heritage. "I hope the plans proceed smoothly and can be implemented effectively for the benefit of the community," he said through an entry on X, today. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, through a separate post on X said that the Kota Madani project, covering 41.28 hectares, would provide 10,000 residential units to accommodate over 30,000 residents. The development will adopt a high-density vertical design. She said the city would integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology, advanced digital infrastructure, and green mobility systems, forming the foundation for a low-carbon, sustainable and safe urban environment. "This is a long-term strategic investment to shape Putrajaya as a model city that reflects Madani values and aligns with the vision of Bandar Chase," she said. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 26.


The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Several policies in place to address imbalance between high-value jobs and graduates
KLANG: To overcome the imbalance between the number of high-value jobs offered in the labour market and the number of graduates from higher learning institutions as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the government has launched several policies to address the matter, according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. The minister said among the policies in question were the MADANI Economic Framework and progressive salary policy which were among the efforts made by the government across ministries to ensure that every graduate and worker received a dignified remuneration. 'We have about 300,000 university graduates yearly, plus 100,000 TVET graduates, making a total of 400,000 Malaysians with higher education qualifications, but every year we are only able to generate 50,000 high-value and highly skilled jobs,' he said. He said this when met after the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Central Zone assistance handover ceremony here today. Sim also encouraged workers to join trade unions so that suitable salaries or remuneration could be negotiated well with employers. Yesterday, the media reported that more than 65 per cent of degree holders in the country earn a monthly salary of below RM3,000, thus earning an 'enough to eat' income with no room to save, invest or increase their social mobility. In addition, more than 70 per cent of graduates in the country were found to be forced to work in the semi-skilled and unskilled sectors. The findings were obtained through a study The 'Gaji Cukup Makan' Economy: When Higher Education Becomes an Economic Risk, conducted under the Malaysia Labour Market Insight Series.


The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Govt acts to bridge gap between graduates and job market
KLANG: To overcome the imbalance between the number of high-value jobs offered in the labour market and the number of graduates from higher learning institutions as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the government has launched several policies to address the matter, according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. The minister said among the policies in question were the MADANI Economic Framework and progressive salary policy which were among the efforts made by the government across ministries to ensure that every graduate and worker received a dignified remuneration. 'We have about 300,000 university graduates yearly, plus 100,000 TVET graduates, making a total of 400,000 Malaysians with higher education qualifications, but every year we are only able to generate 50,000 high-value and highly skilled jobs,' he said. He said this when met after the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Central Zone assistance handover ceremony here today. Sim also encouraged workers to join trade unions so that suitable salaries or remuneration could be negotiated well with employers. Yesterday, the media reported that more than 65 per cent of degree holders in the country earn a monthly salary of below RM3,000, thus earning an 'enough to eat' income with no room to save, invest or increase their social mobility. In addition, more than 70 per cent of graduates in the country were found to be forced to work in the semi-skilled and unskilled sectors. The findings were obtained through a study The 'Gaji Cukup Makan' Economy: When Higher Education Becomes an Economic Risk, conducted under the Malaysia Labour Market Insight Series.

Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Several Policies In Place To Address Imbalance Between High-value Jobs And Graduates
KLANG, May 23 (Bernama) -- To overcome the imbalance between the number of high-value jobs offered in the labour market and the number of graduates from higher learning institutions as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the government has launched several policies to address the matter, according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. The minister said among the policies in question were the MADANI Economic Framework and progressive salary policy which were among the efforts made by the government across ministries to ensure that every graduate and worker received a dignified remuneration. "We have about 300,000 university graduates yearly, plus 100,000 TVET graduates, making a total of 400,000 Malaysians with higher education qualifications, but every year we are only able to generate 50,000 high-value and highly skilled jobs," he said.