HRD Corp to train 60,000 in Sabah as govt ramps up upskilling for state, says Steven
The Human Resources Minister said this would be a fourfold increase from 15,000 participants in 2024.
Speaking at a ministry event with HRD Corp in Pulau Gaya near here, Sim stressed that upskilling Malaysians, especially those in remote areas, is vital for individual empowerment and national development.
'We want every citizen to be equipped with skills that can help them earn a better income. When our people are skilled, the nation progresses too,' he said during the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 event on Sunday (June 1).
'Next week, HRD Corp will launch National Training Week 2025, and we will return to Pulau Gaya to train at least 5,000 residents,' he said.
Over 450 residents from Kampung Gaya, Kampung Lok Urai, Kampung Torong Logong, and Kampung Kesuapan participated in the event, attending skills workshops focused on floral entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and dropshipping, alongside motivational talks for students.
Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who also attended, said expanding access to training was key to unlocking employment opportunities and attracting major investments.
'Training like this does not just raise incomes, but also helps transform Sabah's economy and uplift communities,' he said.
In line with long-term workforce development, HRD Corp also announced a strategic partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to establish Sabah Human Capital Initiatives and Nurturing Excellence (SHINE), Malaysia's first lifelong learning hub dedicated to research, training, and talent development tailored for Sabah.
Deputy HRD Corp chairman Ahsim Jamat expressed hope that the SHINE model will set the standard for human capital development nationwide.
The programme also saw the launch of the Industrial and Community Training Collaboration Centre, which included a RM36,000 boost in training equipment support under HRD Corp's Training Equipment and Facility Enhancement Scheme (ALAT) for local tourism industry players.
Sim also presented several corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, including 700 life jackets for daily boat passengers, food baskets for 300 families, and a RM20,000 donation to the parent-teacher associations of SMK and SK Pulau Gaya.
Also present were Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, UMS registrar Luqman Ridha Anwar, and Jesselton University College president Professor Dr Chin Yuk Fong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BusinessToday
7 hours ago
- BusinessToday
EPF Monthly Payout Plan Applicable Only To New Members, Deputy Finance Minister Says
The proposed monthly pension-style payout under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will apply only to new members once implemented, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She clarified that existing EPF members' withdrawal rights will remain unchanged, and any transition to the new structure would be strictly voluntary. Under the initial proposal, EPF contributions would be divided into two components: Flexible savings, which members can access anytime, and income savings, to be paid out monthly until depleted, providing a more stable post-retirement income stream. 'This is only an early proposal. The Madani government is committed to gathering public feedback and conducting comprehensive engagement before any implementation. 'Nevertheless, the goal is clear, which is to help Malaysians manage their retirement savings in a more structured, fair and sustainable way,' Lim said in a Facebook post. Currently, EPF members can withdraw their full balance at age 55. However, the government is exploring a monthly payout option to supplement lump-sum withdrawals, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan tabled on July 31. EPF is currently reviewing the proposal and has pledged to conduct stakeholder consultations to ensure members' long-term interests are safeguarded. Related
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
13MP: Turning ambition into action
The tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament on Thursday marks a significant milestone in charting the nation's medium-term development course. As Malaysia stands at a crucial juncture amidst global economic uncertainty, technological transformation, climate change, and demographic shifts, the 13MP presents an opportunity to reset priorities, build resilience, and steer the nation toward sustainable and inclusive growth. In general, the plan must be commended for its intent to address critical national challenges such as income inequality, digital transformation, green economy transition, and institutional reform. Its success, however, will depend not just on ambition but on discipline, transparency, and effective execution at every level of government and society. To ensure the effective implementation of the 13MP, the following aspects must be given focused follow-up: Monitoring and evaluation A robust and transparent monitoring mechanism must be put in place to track the progress of key targets. Regular public reporting and performance audits will help ensure accountability and course correction when needed. Inter-agency coordination Strong coordination across federal, state, and local government agencies is essential. Ministries and departments must work in synergy, not in silos, to avoid delays and inefficiencies. Stakeholder engagement Engagement with civil society, private sector, and local communities must continue beyond the planning stage. Implementation must be inclusive and reflective of on-the-ground realities. Resource allocation and budget discipline The success of the Plan hinges on proper financing and fiscal responsibility. Development expenditure must be prioritised based on impact, equity, and sustainability, with a focus on reducing leakages and wastage. Capacity building and institutional reform Public service delivery needs to be enhanced through capacity building and governance reform. Institutions must be empowered and depoliticised to deliver effectively and with integrity. Flexibility and adaptability The government must be prepared to adapt the Plan to evolving circumstances, including global shocks or domestic shifts. A rigid implementation would risk making the Plan obsolete in a fast-changing world. As a nation, we must treat the 13MP not just as a policy document, but as a shared national commitment. All stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and citizens—must work together to ensure its goals are translated into real and measurable outcomes that improve the quality of life for all Malaysians.
Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Daily Express
EPF mulling two-tier account system to support post-retirement income, says deputy finance minister
Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: The EPF's proposed two-tier structure — separating savings into flexible and income accounts — aims to provide members with a more stable post-retirement income. — Picture by Choo Choy May Kuala Lumpur: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is proposing a two-tier restructuring of members' retirement savings to provide a more stable and sustainable income stream after retirement, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said today. In a Facebook post, she said the proposed new structure will split future EPF contributions into two components — a Flexible Savings account, which members can withdraw at any time, and an Income Savings account, which will be disbursed periodically until depleted. 'This is a key step towards ensuring members have a structured and reliable income during retirement,' she said. Lim stressed that the proposed changes will not affect the existing withdrawal rights of current EPF members. The new structure will apply only to new members after the implementation date, while existing members may choose to opt in voluntarily. She added that the proposal is still in its early stages and that the government is committed to gathering public feedback before proceeding. 'The Madani government will continue to listen to the people and conduct thorough engagement sessions before any implementation. The aim is clear — to help Malaysians manage their retirement savings in a more structured, fair and sustainable way,' she said. The proposed reform is part of the government's broader push to improve long-term financial security for retirees, amid concerns about premature withdrawals and the adequacy of savings in later years. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
