KEPALA BATAS – Malaysian workers only need a slight upgrade of their skill levels to be competitive in the global marketplace, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Tambun MP said based on the feedback he has obtained from discussions with top global tech firms – from Elon Musk’s Tesla to Japan’s Mitsui and Geely China Auto – they are generally impressed with the credentials of the local workforce.
“... just (some) skill enhancement. Just a bit (of refinement needed).
“Malaysian workers are renowned for their linguistic skills, (be it in) Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil (and other Indian dialects), and for (having) discipline and basic skills sets, but we need to improve a bit more (on other aspects).”
Anwar said this when launching the technical and vocational educational training (TVET) exposition at the Bertam Square here.
The event, led by the Rural Development Ministry, aims to reach out to northern youth.
Among those also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, caretaker Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, and caretaker Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy.
The slight skills enhancement lies in TVET, said Anwar.
He noted that such skills are not to be frowned upon by society, as mastering them can help the country in the push for industrialisation.
Citing figures, Anwar said that almost 100% of TVET graduates have found jobs, adding that they are now earning between RM1,800 to RM2,000 at entry job levels.
However, Anwar noted that the likes of Tesla and Geely have indicated that their starting wages are now around RM2,500 to RM3,000 for entry level positions.
This shows that there is a demand for TVET workers, he said.
Anwar said that he is tapping into the world’s top tech employers.
He recently convinced Tesla, through Musk, and Saudi Arabia’s Aramco to invest in Malaysia, with the latter tying up with Petronas to offer economic prospects in the alternative energy sector.
“Such tie-ups would require TVET workers…so present and future job prospects in the country are bright, provided the young take up the challenge of mastering new skills.”
Anwar also said that there are about 600 institutions involved in imparting TVET skills to youth.
The prime minister also touched on such institutions collaborating with Universiti Kuala Lumpur to hone skills tailored to the vocational workforce.
“TVET lecturers would be retrained to obtain newer vocational skills to compete in the digitalised world,” said Anwar.
He said that his administration is focused on bringing in more value-added jobs so that workers can earn the right skills and income to compete internationally.
Through Industrial Revolution 4.0, TVET workers can lend their expertise to digital and food technologies while also increasing their employability, he added.
Anwar also devoted part of his speech towards urging the young to vote in the right leaders who will serve and meet their needs instead of those whose main narrative is to run down fellow leaders while not offering any sound policy.
“The young have the power to stop misdeeds and ensure that the country will be back onto its progressive track where every citizen can benefit.” – The Vibes, July 16, 2023
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