Latest news with #TechnicalandVocationalEducationand
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
MOE guidelines for school contributions and visits by dignitaries
KUALA LUMPUR: All contributions and visits to schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE) must follow strict guidelines to maintain professionalism and student welfare, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She highlighted the importance of adhering to MOE's Circular Letter No. 3 of 2018, which governs contributions from private and non-private sectors to government and government-aided schools. 'These contributions must prioritise the safety and well-being of the school community,' she said in the Dewan Rakyat. Fadhlina was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) on procedures for organisations and elected representatives contributing to schools. She also referenced Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023, which regulates visits by dignitaries and politicians to educational institutions. 'These guidelines ensure contributions and external involvement are conducted prudently, focusing on educational benefits while upholding transparency and harmony,' she added. On curriculum alignment with market needs, Fadhlina said the MOE is enhancing graduate employability through the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026–2035. The plan emphasises AI integration and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet global demands. 'The DELIMa digital learning platform offers AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to assist teachers in lesson planning and resource creation,' she said, addressing concerns raised by Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) regarding unemployment rates in Sabah and nationwide. – Bernama
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- 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
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Artisans of Mzansi 2025: Entries open to empower South African trade businesses
Allan Gray Makers has officially opened entries for Artisans of Mzansi 2025, a national campaign designed to recognise and empower South Africa's most outstanding artisan entrepreneurs. The initiative seeks to challenge negative perceptions around technical trades, inspire young people to pursue artisanal careers and accelerate the growth of small and medium businesses in the sector. Despite the National Development Plan's target of producing 30 000 qualified artisans annually by 2030, South Africa produces only 15 000. ALSO READ: Kaalfontein school excels in entrepreneurial skills A key barrier is the stigma around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and trade careers, discouraging young people from entering this critical industry. Artisans of Mzansi aims to change this narrative by profiling successful artisan entrepreneurs as role models, demonstrating the viability and dignity of careers in plumbing, electrical work, construction, carpentry, and related trades. 'South Africa's artisan economy is a powerhouse of untapped potential. Through Artisans of Mzansi, we celebrate skilled tradespeople and rewrite the story of what it means to be an artisan. 'These entrepreneurs are job creators, innovators, and nation-builders. By showcasing their success, we hope to inspire a new generation to see the trades as a first-choice career path,' said Seth Mulli, programme director of Allan Gray Makers. Artisans of Mzansi will identify and reward exceptional artisans and trade businesses through a competitive process. Winners will receive cash prizes and a year of business advisory support to scale their enterprises. ALSO READ: Local skills centre leads youngsters to a brighter future To enter, artisans must: • Be a qualified artisan (with a trade test). • Be the owner or 50% partner in a formalised trade business (plumbing, electrical, or construction). • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident, aged 50 or younger in 2025. • Ensure their business operates ethically and complies with industry standards. Micro businesses earning between R0 and R1m in revenue can win R50 000 while small businesses earning between R1m and R5m stand a chance of winning R100 000. Medium-sized businesses earning over R5m can win R50 000. Interested artisans can submit their applications online by June 30. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and pitch presentations before the organisers announce the winners. For more information and to apply, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Building a skilled workforce
Steps to progress: Ahmad Zahid greeting government officials upon arrival in London while High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar (left) looks on. LONDON: Malaysia is ready to be a global platform for cultivating world-class, industry-ready Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talent, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said while the nation is ready to lead, it can't do it alone. 'We will achieve this through meaningful partnerships with Asean, global allies and Malaysians abroad, who share our vision of building a skilled, competitive and future-ready generation. 'At the recent Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, I had the chance to engage directly with fellow government and corporate leaders. 'The appetite for partnership in talent, technology, and training is real and growing. Everyone is asking – how can we work together? How can we build a shared pipeline of talent for the region?,' he said in his public lecture titled 'Malaysia's TVET Leadership in Asean Building Skills for a Shared Future' at University College London (UCL) yesterday. 'In this global race for relevance, skills are the new currency. And those who invest in practical, adaptable, and high-impact talent will not just survive – they will lead,' he stressed. For years, TVET was misunderstood – seen as a fallback rather than a path of purpose, Ahmad Zahid said. 'That perception is now shifting, but we must be honest as challenges still remain. 'The lingering stigma that TVET is 'second-tier' continues to affect enrolment decisions. A gap still exists between classroom training and real-world industry demands,' he said. 'I believe these are not just Malaysia's challenges – they are global challenges. But within each of them lies an opportunity. An opportunity to align, to innovate, and to collectively build a TVET ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive and future-ready,' he said. This month, Malaysia will host the 4th Asean TVET Council Regional Policy Dialogue themed 'TVET for Rural and Regional Advancement,' alongside National TVET Day 2025. Ahmad Zahid said. 'Delegates from Asean, Australia and Germany will explore how TVET can drive inclusive growth, empower youth and uplift rural communities – while showcasing Malaysia's innovation, industry partnerships and national transformation in TVET. 'The message is clear: Malaysia is not just reforming TVET – we are redefining it. TVET is no longer a remedial track for the uncertain. 'It is now the engine of innovation, a strategic pillar of our economy and a gateway for our youth to participate fully in the industries of the future,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean's TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy and advanced manufacturing. 'However, leadership cannot stand alone. It must be powered by partnership. That is why we are building lasting bridges – with Asean, with the United Kingdom and with each and every Malaysian here today,' he said. Ahmad Zahid arrived in London on Sunday night for his four-day working visit to Britain, in a move aimed at further strengthening Malaysia-UK bilateral ties.
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ahmad Zahid wants RISDA to establish high-tech rubber depot in Sabah
Ahmad Zahid officiating at the state-level Risda's programme for smallholders, at SJK (C) Chung Hwa, Tenom.-Bernama photo TENOM (May 18): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to establish a High-Tech Rubber Depot in the district to boost the rubber industry and support smallholders in the state. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Minister, said Sabah has excellent potential in the rubber industry, adding that the state has the largest rubber plantation area in the country, spanning 202,536 hectares or 25.69 per cent of Malaysia's total rubber cultivation area. 'With the establishment of the depot, Risda should also develop downstream rubber-based products commercially, including conducting research into biofuel derived from scrap rubber, as one kilogramme of coagulated rubber residue can produce five litres of biodiesel known as RISDA Biofuel,' he said. He said this when delivering his speech at the state-level Risda's programme for smallholders, Pekebun Kecil Makmur, at the SJK (C) Chung Hwa hall here on Sunday. At the ceremony, Ahmad Zahid announced Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as the honorary national advisor for Risda to ensure the voices of smallholders in the state continue to be heard. Ahmad Zahid said the government strives to stabilise the rubber industry despite the current low rubber floor price. '…the floor price for cup lump is set at RM5 per kilogramme, and the current market price has reached RM5.01 per kilogramme, as seen in Tangkak, Johor. We need to transform the rubber industry from a sunset industry (declining) into a sunrise industry (growing) by injecting elements of high technology and innovation,' he added. He said Malaysia was once among the world's largest natural rubber producers from the 1930s to the 1990s, but due to price issues and labour shortages, it is currently the world's sixth-largest rubber producer. 'Therefore, Risda must find solutions. Develop technologies, train young people using the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) approach and mobilise them to the sector with new skills, not just as rubber tappers but as value creators,' he said. He also urged Risda to focus on replanting efforts and using old rubber trees in the furniture manufacturing industry. 'We have the potential to replant 40,000 hectares annually, which could generate up to RM9 billion in rubber timber value if fully utilised. The furniture industry should not be concentrated only in Muar, Johor. I propose that Tenom be developed as Risda's furniture industry hub in Sabah,' he added.-Bernama
