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Perak youth urged to embrace TVET jobs or risk losing out to outsiders
Perak youth urged to embrace TVET jobs or risk losing out to outsiders

New Straits Times

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Perak youth urged to embrace TVET jobs or risk losing out to outsiders

KUALA LUMPUR: Young people in Perak have been urged to seize the thousands of job opportunities emerging from the state's rapid industrial development or risk losing them to outsiders and foreign workers. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state's heavy investment in industrial zones is part of its goal to position Perak as a national TVET corridor, a key agenda under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan to future-proof the economy and secure long-term prosperity. However, he said these roles require skilled workers, particularly those with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certification. "I want the people of Perak to understand the government's intention. If our own children do not support this aspiration, we will have to offer these job opportunities to outsiders. And if that still is not enough, we cannot avoid hiring foreign workers," he told the New Straits Times during a visit to Balai Berita for the Malaysia Hari Ini programme. Saarani said the state has intensified awareness campaigns at the district level in collaboration with various agencies, targeting secondary school students, especially those in Form Four and Form Five, to highlight career prospects through TVET. He said the importance of removing the stigma that TVET is a second-class option, noting that the sector now offers competitive salaries and strong job market demand. "It is time we dispel the notion that TVET is a second-class certificate. With a TVET qualification, real jobs are waiting," he said. Citing internal data, Saarani said approximately 94 per cent of TVET graduates secure employment. As part of the outreach initiative, successful TVET alumni, including chefs, welders, and animation specialists, are being brought into schools to inspire students and show the real-life potential of vocational careers. He added that all TVET institutions in Perak must also ensure their academic programmes are aligned with the specific needs of local industries. "That is why we are engaging with industry players and training providers to ensure course offerings are relevant to the job market. We do not want these opportunities to slip away to outsiders simply because locals lack the necessary skills," he said. "Our goal is to create a prosperous Perak where the people thrive. That prosperity starts with employment — when people have jobs, they have income to spend, and that in turn drives the state's economy." Previously, the Perak government had outlined its ambition to position the state as a National TVET Corridor, with several mega projects, including the Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim, the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, and the Silver Valley Technology Park, serving as anchor platforms to absorb skilled graduates. The state had also introduced the TVET 2025 Roadshow Programme aimed at correcting misconceptions about vocational education and promoting it as a primary pathway to careers in technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Umno sees grassroots surge with over 20,000 branches active
Umno sees grassroots surge with over 20,000 branches active

New Straits Times

time15-06-2025

  • Politics
  • New Straits Times

Umno sees grassroots surge with over 20,000 branches active

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno saw a significant resurgence at the grassroots level, with a record 20,710 branches nationwide holding their annual meetings this year, said party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. This is an increase from 20,005 branches last year. "This demonstrates that the party's grassroots are not only active, but highly motivated," he said during a visit to Balai Berita last Friday. Present were Media Prima Television Networks News and Current Affairs group editor Azhari Muhidin, New Straits Times deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh, Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil and deputy group editor M. Thillinadan. Asyraf said sentiment on the ground showed continued loyalty to Umno's founding principles, even as the party navigated its role in the unity government alongside Pakatan Harapan. "What truly matters is that our core struggle — the Islamic agenda and the position of the Malays and Bumiputera — must never be diluted. As long as the party can defend and advance its agenda through this cooperation, it is not only acceptable but also welcomed by our grassroots." When asked how this year's meetings compared to previous ones, Asyraf noted a "distinct shift" in mood. "This could be due to several factors. For one, the party has grown stronger. The performance of Umno ministers, as well as leaders helming government-linked companies and key agencies, has been commendable," he added. The increased enthusiasm, he added, also reflected growing confidence in the party's direction, bolstered by its performance in recent by-elections. Umno retained its seats in Pelangai and Mahkota and reclaimed ground in Ayer Kuning.

#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' marks as Nidji's first OST for animation film
#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' marks as Nidji's first OST for animation film

New Straits Times

time02-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' marks as Nidji's first OST for animation film

KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian pop-rock band Nidji is honoured that their heartfelt single, 'Teman Sejati', has been chosen as the official soundtrack (OST) for 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2'. This marks their first-ever collaboration with an animated feature film. The song, from the band's latest album 'Manifestasi Hati' released earlier this year, was composed and written by Nidji's guitarist, Andi Ariel Harsya. It was originally penned in 2019, long before the band envisioned its future on the big screen. "Actually, the song had been written for quite some time, since 2019. So, when we were approached by the film production for the song to become an OST, we felt very honoured," said Andi when met at a press conference held at Balai Berita, here, today. He added, "When we recorded it, we never set a target for it to be chosen as an OST for any production, so this is beyond our expectations. It's really divine intervention." The track, with its stirring lyrics and soaring melody, perfectly complements the themes of friendship, courage, and resilience explored in the movie. Other band members — Yusuf Ubay, Randy Danishta, Ramadhista Akbar, Adri Perkasa, and Andro Regantoro — were also present at the event. Meanwhile, according to Azri Yunus, the film's score composer, music plays an equally vital role as the story itself in shaping a cinematic experience. "When a film is made, while 50 per cent of it is its story, the other half comes from its audio, including sound effects and music," he explained. "When I first heard this song from Nidji, it was a spot-on choice. From its lyrics to its melody, it's a perfect song as the film's OST." Azri, along with Usamah Zaid Yasin, founder of WAU Animation and creator of Ejen Ali, carefully integrated the song into the film by aligning it with pivotal scenes through detailed storyboard discussions. 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2', which premiered on May 22, sees Ali become the pilot for a high-stakes mission under Satria, an elite programme powered by an AI-assisted mecha suit. Once again set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, this time Ali's mission takes a darker turn when the renegade Ejen Rizwan enlists Ali's help to uncover the true mastermind behind escalating threats in Cyberaya.

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