Latest news with #GITC
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Move to strengthen TVET enrolment, future workforce
PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. 'This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. 'GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the Dual Training Model nationwide,' he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. 'To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.' He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia's most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing. He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. 'Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.' Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia's talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. 'TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it's operating hydrogen-powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. 'Malaysia's progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.' She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. 'TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.' She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. 'Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,' she said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts TVET to meet future workforce demands
PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. 'This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. 'GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the Dual Training Model nationwide,' he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. 'To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.' He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia's most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing. He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. 'Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.' Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia's talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. 'TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it's operating hydrogen-powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. 'Malaysia's progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.' She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. 'TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.' She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. 'Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,' she said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AstraZeneca invests Rs 166 crore to expand Bengaluru operations
Bengaluru: Global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is investing Rs166 crore to expand its Bengaluru operations, creating 400 new jobs. The upgraded facility will support around 1,300 employees and enhance the company's capabilities in AI-driven R&D, global business services, IT, and digital health, strengthening its presence in India. This investment follows AstraZeneca's recent expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. The company's workforce in India will increase to 4,000 employees, highlighting India's growing significance in AstraZeneca's global operations. The enhanced Bangalore facility will house nearly 1,300 staff members and function as a comprehensive centre supporting AstraZeneca's primary operations in clinical research, AI-driven healthcare solutions, global business services, and regulatory compliance. "Our global hub in Bengaluru is a strategic investment that strengthens our ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030," said Jackie Crockford, VP of global business services at AstraZeneca. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The new facility will serve as a dynamic hub advancing AstraZeneca's critical priorities, including advanced clinical research across global therapeutic areas, development of AI-powered healthcare and digital health technologies, centralized data analytics to improve clinical trial efficiency and patient outcomes, and specialized support for global regulatory compliance and pharmacovigilance. Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "This aligns with our vision to drive high-value employment and make Bangalore a biotechnology and R&D powerhouse. "
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
AstraZeneca expands Bengaluru hub with Rs 166 crore investment; to create 400 jobs
BENGALURU: Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on Thursday announced the expansion of its global hub in Bengaluru with Rs 166 crore investment. The new facility will house about 1,300 employees and generate 400 new jobs. This is AstraZeneca's second major investment in India within a year, following the expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. The combined workforce now at AstraZeneca India Private Limited (AZIPL) will reach close to 4,000 employees. The company said the new facility will serve as a dynamic hub dedicated to advancing AstraZeneca's critical priorities including advanced clinical research supporting AstraZeneca's global therapeutic areas; development of AI-powered; healthcare solutions and digital health technologies. Apart from these, the new facility will help centralise data analytics to enhance clinical trial efficiency and patient outcomes. "Our Global Hub in Bengaluru is a strategic investment that will play a vital role in advancing AstraZeneca's bold ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030 — by strengthening automated, scalable, data-driven, and patient-centric solutions. This step reflects our commitment to tapping into the world-class talent and ecosystem available in Karnataka to power the next generation of scientific innovation," said Jackie Crockford, Vice President, Global Business Services, AstraZeneca. "This hub enhances our R&D capabilities by connecting us with India's exceptional scientific and technological expertise. The expansion will accelerate the development of innovative medicines and help us deliver across R&D, ultimately benefiting patients around the world," said Magnus Nord, Vice President, Global Patient Safety BioPharma, AstraZeneca. The global hub in Bengaluru is dedicated to Research & Development (R&D), Global Business Services (GBS), IT & Digital Health capabilities, playing a key role in advancing scientific discovery and innovation within the enterprise. The company also said that the GITC in Chennai serves as a strategic hub for IT, GBS, Global supply chain & strategy, supporting core business operations with high-impact, technology-driven solutions.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AstraZeneca expands Bengaluru global hub with Rs 166-cr investment
Biopharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca on Thursday said it has expanded its global hub in Bengaluru with an investment of Rs 166 crore, creating 400 jobs to boost Research and Development , global services and AI innovation. The new facility will house nearly 1,300 employees, including 400 new jobs, supporting the company's capabilities in AI-powered innovation across Research and Development, global business services, IT, and digital health operations, AstraZeneca said in a statement. "Our global hub in Bengaluru is a strategic investment that will play a vital role in advancing AstraZeneca's bold ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030 -- by strengthening automated, scalable, data-driven, and patient-centric solutions," AstraZeneca Vice President, Global Business Services, Jackie Crockford said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo This is AstraZeneca's second major investment in India within a year after the expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. "The combined workforce now at AstraZeneca India Pvt Ltd (AZIPL) will reach close to 4,000 employees, strengthening the company's capability to deliver life-changing medicines to patients worldwide," the company said.
