Malaysian Meister Program Level 1 Industry Engagement Session
Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
Malaysian Meister Program Level 1 Industry Engagement Session
9 June 2017 | 10.00 am | PSDC
Salam sejahtera and good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be here with all of you today. Firstly, I would like to extend my appreciation to His Excellency Mr Holger W Michael, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany for making time to be here today despite his busy schedule. We really appreciate the involvement and the commitment of the German Government, the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC), and the German industry in Malaysia in supporting this initiative.
I would also like to congratulate the PSDC for its success in rolling out the Malaysian Meister Program Level 1 in Penang. The State Government of Penang recognises the significance and the importance of this program and we have been on board from Day 1. Most of you may already know that the State Government is providing a RM2 million sponsorship in support of this program to pay tuition fees for students. Since students working in factories to learn must also be paid a minimum wage and your tuition fees is covered by the state government, you are effectively paid to study in Penang. This course of 42 months of advanced diploma and another 2 years after that to be a Meister 1 is as popular, that there are many applicants but not enough places. As this program is very close to my heart, I am personally monitoring the progress of this program and all matters relating to the MMP L1 is directly reported to me either through Penang Institute or the PSDC.
You may wonder why the State Government of Penang is so keen on adopting the German Dual Vocation Training pathway. It is a well-known fact that the German brand has a long legacy and association to high quality and innovation. Germany is the one of largest economies and one of the highest labour productivity levels in the world.
I believe that the German dual vocational training system is the foundation of Germany’s economic miracle as well as a crucial pillar for recruiting and obtaining employees. The combination of work and study has been proven as a successful model in Germany. We are learning from the German example, and adapted it to our local context and setting through the MMP L1, and we hope that it will make the same positive impact here.
The State Government’s goal is to generate the best qualified workforce for the Industry and we believe the MMP L1 is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. The beauty of the MMP L1 is that it involves a healthy balance of both theoretical classroom training and practical training. It is an industry-oriented training, conducted in actual work conditions under the guidance of competent coaches and trainers. This program promotes a ‘win-win’ for both the Industry and the workforce. It is a perfect combination where companies can develop, retain, as well as create opportunities for both vertical and horizontal career growth for their workforce, while employees and fresh school leavers can work, learn, earn, and at the same time, enhance their opportunities for future career advancement.
I would also like to personally thank all existing and new Host Companies for participating in, believing and investing into the future of your employees; the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) for endorsing and accrediting this program and for ensuring that it is suitably designed and adapted to cater to local needs and conditions. The host companies are as below with the number of students, inclusive the upcoming intake.
|
Host Companies |
No of Students |
|
B Braun Medical Industries |
48 |
|
Robert Bosch |
20 |
|
Carsem Semiconductor Sdn Bhd |
9 |
|
OSRAM Opto Semiconductor |
5 |
|
Infineon Technologies (Kulim) Sdn Bhd |
5 |
|
Dynacraft Industries Sdn Bhd |
4 |
|
Southern Steel Berhad |
3 |
|
Amphenol TCS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd |
2 |
|
BBS Automation Penang Sdn Bhd |
2 |
|
Inari Technology |
2 |
|
SCHOTT Glass (M) Sdn Bhd |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
102 |
The State Government need your support to participate to make MMP L1 a success. The MMP L1 is a sustainable way to upskill your workforce and ensure a consistent supply of outstanding talent for your future business needs. Those who graduate as Meister are assured a good job and pay prospects that are almost equal if not equal to those with university degrees.
In conclusion, allow me to once again thank the PSDC for organising this session and for providing a platform for the Industry, the State Government, and the accreditation bodies to connect and have a meaningful engagement. I look forward to hearing more from all of you during the dialogue session.
Thank you.