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Daily Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
TVET way to shape future and drive growth: Chief Minister
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Text Size: Joachim launches the event by connecting a battery device using a battery clamp. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government fully supports efforts to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem to ensure that Sabah's youths remain competitive in the job market and are no longer trapped in the cycle of unemployment. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council in May this year marked an important paradigm shift in the State's TVET development landscape. 'TVET can no longer be seen merely as an option. It must be embraced as a mainstream choice in efforts to produce a skilled workforce that can shape Sabah's future. 'TVET not only equips individuals with technical skills, but also empowers them, creates job opportunities and serves as a catalyst for the State's economic growth,' he said at the opening ceremony of the Sabah TVET Symposium, here, Wednesday. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Hajiji added that the State Government recognises that technical and vocational skills form the backbone of Sabah's development, particularly given its rich potential in natural resources, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. 'However, to sustain the growth of these sectors, we need highly skilled human capital that can meet the demands of Sabah's increasingly vibrant industries. 'I also urge the youths to view TVET as a primary choice, not merely an alternative, when planning their future. TVET should be seen as a smart pathway that can produce future professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators,' he said. 'Sabah's youths must seize the opportunity to participate in TVET programmes, as the courses offered today are aligned with current job market demands, thereby ensuring the marketability of graduates,' he said. Hajiji noted that in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the rapid wave of digitalisation, skills in technical fields, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have become highly valuable assets. 'If Sabah's youths are not equipped with these skills, we risk being left behind in this wave of change. Therefore, TVET is the best platform to develop a highly skilled workforce that can drive Sabah's progress,' he said. He said the State Government's commitment to human capital development is clearly reflected through various initiatives and strategic investments. The latest statistics indicate that Sabah's unemployment rate has decreased from around 8.2 per cent in 2021 to 7.5 per cent in 2023. 'Although this rate remains higher than the national unemployment rate, the downward trend is encouraging and reflects the effectiveness of various economic and human capital development initiatives undertaken by the Government,' he said. However, Hajiji noted that data from the Department of Statistics showed Sabah still faces challenges, with youths aged 15 to 24 accounting for more than half - 58.6 per cent - of the State's total unemployed. Additionally, 55.8 per cent of unemployed individuals in Sabah possess only secondary school qualifications. 'These figures clearly show that many of our youths require skills training and further education to improve their employability,' he said. In this regard, he said the symposium, themed 'Sustainable TVET for the Future of Sabah's Human Capital: An Integrated TVET Ecosystem', is highly relevant to the current needs of Sabah. Hajiji expressed hope that participants would take full advantage of the two-day symposium to foster stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry players. * 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
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Strengthening TVET to break cycle of unemployment among Sabah youth - Hajiji
Joachim launches the event by connecting a battery device using a battery clamp. KOTA KINABALU (July 9): The Sabah government fully supports efforts to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem to ensure that Sabah's youth remain competitive in the job market and are no longer trapped in the cycle of unemployment. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council in May this year marked an important paradigm shift in the state's TVET development landscape. 'TVET can no longer be seen merely as an option. It must be embraced as a mainstream choice in efforts to produce a skilled workforce that can shape Sabah's future. 'TVET not only equips individuals with technical skills, but also empowers them, creates job opportunities, and serves as a catalyst for the state's economic growth,' he said at the opening ceremony of the Sabah TVET Symposium here Wednesday. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Hajiji added that the state government recognises that technical and vocational skills form the backbone of Sabah's development, particularly given its rich potential in natural resources, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. 'However, to sustain the growth of these sectors, we need highly skilled human capital that can meet the demands of Sabah's increasingly vibrant industries. 'I also urge the youth to view TVET as a primary choice, not merely an alternative, when planning their future. TVET should be seen as a smart pathway that can produce future professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators,' he said. 'Sabah's youth must seize the opportunity to participate in TVET programmes, as the courses offered today are aligned with current job market demands, thereby ensuring the marketability of graduates,' he said. Hajiji noted that in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the rapid wave of digitalisation, skills in technical fields, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) have become highly valuable assets. 'If Sabah's youth are not equipped with these skills, we risk being left behind in this wave of change. Therefore, TVET is the best platform to develop a highly skilled workforce that can drive Sabah's progress,' he said. He said that the state government's commitment to human capital development is clearly reflected through various initiatives and strategic investments. The latest statistics indicate that Sabah's unemployment rate has decreased from around 8.2 per cent in 2021 to 7.5 per cent in 2023. 'Although this rate remains higher than the national unemployment rate, the downward trend is encouraging and reflects the effectiveness of various economic and human capital development initiatives undertaken by the government,' he said. However, Hajiji noted that data from the Department of Statistics showed that Sabah still faces challenges, with youth aged 15 to 24 accounting for more than half – 58.6 per cent – of the state's total unemployed. Additionally, 55.8 per cent of unemployed individuals in Sabah possess only secondary school qualifications. 'These figures clearly show that many of our youths require skills training and further education to improve their employability,' he said. In this regard, he said the symposium, themed 'Sustainable TVET for the Future of Sabah's Human Capital: An Integrated TVET Ecosystem', is highly relevant to the current needs of Sabah. Hajiji expressed hope that participants would take full advantage of the two-day symposium to foster stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry players.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cybersecurity Summit 2025 to tackle digital threats
INDUSTRY leaders, policymakers, and IT and business professionals are invited to attend the Cybersecurity Summit 2025, taking place on July 24 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre. This one‑day conference is dedicated to exploring the critical challenges and opportunities in safeguarding Malaysia's digital economy. Under the theme 'Securing Malaysia's Digital Future', the summit will bring together senior government officials, industry experts and business stakeholders to examine emerging cyber threats, evolving compliance frameworks and the role of cutting‑edge technologies such as AI in strengthening cybersecurity resilience. Through a mix of keynote presentations, real‑world case studies and interactive panel discussions, attendees will gain practical insights and strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to a secure and innovative digital landscape. The keynote address will be presented by Ir Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA). Dr Megat has been serving the Malaysian government since 1997 and has vast experience as an engineer in the ICT and telecommunication fields. In the past 26 years, Dr Megat has been actively developing and implementing policy and strategic plans for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) agenda as well as building human capital capacity in innovation and knowledge management. Among other the featured speakers is Dato' Ts Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, chief executive officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia. With over 30 years of ICT experience spanning public and private sectors, Dr Amirudin has driven numerous national cybersecurity initiatives and chaired both local and international platforms. In October 2024, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, appointed him to the National Anti‑Financial Crime Centre Advisory Board. Sarbnedhan Sandhu, general manager of Technology Supervision at Securities Commission Malaysia, will explore how organisations can bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and real‑world defence. Drawing on supervisory assessments and local case studies, his session will unpack why these gaps persist and offer actionable steps to operationalise security controls in alignment with Malaysia's national cybersecurity priorities. Sarbnedhan is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience. As general manager at the Securities Commission Malaysia, he plays a key role in driving the technology and cybersecurity agenda across the capital market industry. From Hong Kong, Dr Darron Sun, head of Information Technology at the Hong Kong Housing Society, will present 'Safeguarding Tomorrow's Landscape: Generative AI Risk Mitigation and Governance Frameworks.' A World CIO 200 Global Champion (2024), Dr Sun brings extensive expertise in IT management, fintech, proptech, cybersecurity and internal audit. He will share proven approaches for embedding governance and controls into AI‑driven systems, ensuring both innovation and security. Moderating the panel discussion on 'Digital Trust & Resilience: Strengthening Cyber Confidence in Malaysia' is Jaco Benadie, Partner, Technology Consulting – Cyber in Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd. As the leader of EY ASEAN's OT Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Jaco is renowned for his commitment to excellence and his innovative approach to advancing cybersecurity measures. He is widely recognised as a leading authority in the energy sector's cybersecurity, ensuring that key industry players maintain secure and resilient operations. The summit's full line-up features thought leaders across government, finance, technology and critical infrastructure – each offering unique perspectives on threat intelligence, digital trust, governance and more. Participants will also enjoy dedicated networking sessions, enabling collaboration with peers and solution providers. The Cybersecurity Summit 2025 is fully HRD Corp‑claimable, with group rates starting at RM888 and standard registration at RM1,199. Don't miss this opportunity to equip your organisation with the insights and connections needed to secure Malaysia's digital future. Visit to register today.
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Govt's AI training drive to include all workforce segments, says Gobind
by SUFEA SALEHUDDIN THE government's artificial intelligence (AI) reskilling and upskilling initiatives will not be limited to fresh graduates or young talent, but will also include existing workers whose jobs are at risk of technological disruption, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (picture). He said the multi-layered approach to talent development reflects Malaysia's whole-of-nation strategy in preparing for the widespread impact of AI and digitalisation on the labour market. 'This is not focused on just one group. We're looking at various layers — from students in schools to those already working — because technology will affect jobs across the board,' Gobind said at the memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony between TalentCorp and MyDigital today. While much of the government's digital literacy campaigns and early AI awareness efforts have been directed at students through curricular improvements, Gobind stressed that current employees will be a central focus of the government's training agenda. 'People who are already currently employed are the ones whose jobs will be impacted by technology. We must ensure they are trained to pivot when the time comes,' he said. The government's strategy, he explained, involves encouraging upskilling and reskilling while workers are still in their existing roles, allowing them to transition smoothly when technological shifts alter job requirements. 'This is what we aim to achieve — training while working, so that when change happens, these workers are not left behind,' Gobind said. The Digital Ministry is working closely with the National AI Office (NIO) and other stakeholders to map training needs and consolidate data from public and private providers, ensuring alignment with real industry demands. According to Gobind, this includes short- and long-term training programmes with various certifications under initiatives such as MyMahir and the National Training Week 2025, which aim to offer one million upskilling opportunities with a focus on IR4.0 and AI. He said the collaborative effort also involves accrediting training modules with digital badges and reaching sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, where the impact of automation is expected to be significant. 'This is why we need input from all sectors — academia, industry, associations and AI experts to make sure the system we build is inclusive and future-ready,' he noted.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
No immediate plans for youth entrepreneurship centre in Balingian, says S'wak deputy minister
Ripin notes that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MySED) has clarified that there are currently no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre or Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian, despite ongoing efforts to align with digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). This was stated by its deputy minister Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat in response to a question raised by Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. 'For the information of the Honourable Member for Balingian, the ministry currently has no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre and Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian,' he said. However, Ripin noted that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. These include the Mukah Digital Innovation Hub, operated by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), and Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan (Pibu) in Mukah, managed by SEDC, he said. He added that the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) is planning to establish Anjung Usahawan Balingian, with the land acquisition process for the project site already completed. 'The Anjung Usahawan Balingian is expected to offer several key services, including serving as a processing centre to support small-scale production activities, sales kiosks for entrepreneurs to market their products, and food stalls to encourage local food vendors. 'The facility will also include an incubator to nurture startup businesses and a community activity space for engagement and development programmes. 'Should the Honourable Member have any suggestions for improvement, they may contact Mintred,' he said. In response to a supplementary question on efforts to empower youth involvement in entrepreneurship, Ripin highlighted several strategic initiatives currently being implemented. 'The ministry is enhancing 'Program Jelajah Belia Sarawak' to raise awareness among youth about the potential, opportunities, and future career prospects in entrepreneurship. 'It is also organising Youth Entrepreneur Setup (YES) 3.0 in every district to promote entrepreneurial awareness and provide early guidance on business licensing and the relevant agencies involved,' he said. To further encourage youth participation, Ripin also said the ministry is increasing engagement among students in both public and private higher education institutions through the Sarawak Youth Business Idea Competition (Saybic). 'This programme, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, aims to nurture interest in entrepreneurship, identify young talent, and promote entrepreneurship as a viable career path,' he added. 'Additionally, the Sarawak Youth StartUP Development Programme offers a comprehensive course covering the fundamentals and advanced aspects of entrepreneurship. 'These include business administration, financial management, human resource management, certification, marketing, branding, risk analysis, and business planning. 'The first cohort of this programme was held in December 2024, while the second cohort is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.' Furthermore, he said the ministry is also strengthening collaboration with other ministries such as Mintred, the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop), and other relevant Sarawak state and federal government agencies, in an effort to build a symbiotic ecosystem that can support the development of successful and competitive youth entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, Ripin said the establishment of a Startup Hub could be considered based on future developments and needs. Creative Industry Incubator DUN ripin lamat Youth Entrepreneurship Centre
