KUALA LUMPUR – In an effort to nurture more talents in the world of motorsport, national racer Jazeman Jaafar believes the Peneraju Skil LINK Technology Transfer Apprenticeship Programme (LINK TTAP) will improve automotive skills and knowledge of local talents’ through apprenticeship in the industry.
Jazeman, who is also the TTAP director, said the programme provides students with exposure to a fundamental understanding of basic engineering and management principles in motorsport.
“I see a lot of development programmes for young racers and riders, but there is not enough attention given to the younger generation that aspires to be engineers and technicians.
“Through this programme, we hope to become a bridge for the youth to uplift their talents and guide them into the world of motorsport,” he said in a recent interview.
A total of 100 fresh graduates in Malaysia have started the LINK TTAP programme under the management of Persona Energy in collaboration with Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (Yayasan Peneraju) in June.
“Now we are training 100 students in collaboration with Yayasan Peneraju, with 95 students based in Malaysia and five based in Europe.
The LINK TTAP programme abroad will provide direct exposure through job opportunities as racing technicians or engineers at the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Race with leading teams JOTA and Virage.
“During their time abroad for seven months, they will be in different departments within the team such as the tyres, strategy and aerodynamics departments. This way, we can give them more exposure for the period of time.”
“Motorsport is a challenging field, especially in terms of technology applications, engineering and business management, which are critical elements in the formation of highly skilled and capable local talents.
“The programme assists local talents to manage racing teams from the grassroots to international level as well as contributing to the growth of the local automotive and mobility industry,” he said.
Jazeman, who is also an executive director on the board of Sepang International Circuit, added that the programme has come a long way since it started in 2019 with only four international students.
The 29-year-old currently races with Team Virage in the European Le Mans Series and was JOTA’s reserve driver in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race recently, as well as racing in the GT World Challenge Asia series with Johor Racing. – The Vibes, September 12, 2022
