PENANG wants professional bodies and associates to collaborate with local institutions of higher learning to promote lifelong learning among the people here.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the portfolios of infrastructure, transport and digital, said there is a need to bridge the gap between industries and the academia, especially in uncovering new tools and technics or skills.
"Upskilling should be a constant struggle for any industry," Zairil said when attending the Penang Masters' Builders (PMB) Association's Lunar New Year gathering.
The association also sealed a memorandum of understanding with Wawasan Open University (WOU) where PMB members are entitled to 20 per cent discounts in tuition fees if they enrol with the distance - learning specialist institution.
WOU was formed in 2006 with a unique objective of providing working Malaysians access to quality higher education, regardless of ethnic or socio - economic backgrounds.
It is currently offering a BA of Technology in Construction Management and a MBA in Construction Management.
Zairil said that lifelong learning is an important parameter to meet the current and future challenges, coming from artificial intelligence (AI), building technology and digitalisation.
There is also the environmental social governance principle, which many in the private sector must adopt to address climate change and a need for sustainability, he said.
Zairil hopes that more professional bodies can emulate what PMB tries to aspire - to provide lifelong learning and upskilling propositions to its members. - February 19, 2025.
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