23rd PSDC GRADUATION (2018)

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

AT 23rd PSDC GRADUATION (2018)

28 July 2018 | 9.00 am

Salam Sejahtera.

I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the PSDC’s Graduating Class of 2018 from the German Dual Vocation Training (GDVT) Malaysian Meister Program Level 1 in Mechatronics, Diploma in Manufacturing Technology (CAD/CAM) Program, and the Contestable Funding Program.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all graduates for completing your program. Well done to all of you! I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the parents, guardians, and family members of the graduates. Whilst you may not be the one receiving a scroll today, your child’s success and achievements wouldn’t be possible without your love and support. We applaud and commend you for your hard work and sacrifices.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Penang State Government has always recognised the significance and the importance of talent development in sustaining and accelerating the growth of the state and the nation. As we move towards becoming a digital economy in the Industry 4.0 environment, it is crucial for us to have a consistent supply of multi-disciplined and multi-talented workforce to support the Industry and the economy.

Penang has always been at the forefront in human capital development with PSDC being the pioneer and leading skills development centre in Malaysia and the first Industry 4.0 Centre of Excellence. Penang is also leading in the area of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the GDVT program. We have learnt the best practices from the Germans and have successfully adapted it to our local context and setting to make it suitable for Malaysians. The State Government has also provided RM2 million sponsorship in support of this program here in Penang and I am proud that we are seeing the first fruits of this investment with the graduation of the first two batches of GDVT apprentices today.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Host Companies, PSDC, MGCC, and JPK for your support in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the GDVT program. This is a great example that with a strong public-private partnership between the Industry, Government, and Training Institution, we can create a sustainable dual vocational training system for Malaysia.

To all graduates, I trust that the PSDC trainers and your on-job-training coaches have done a great job in providing you with the proper and relevant skills training and education. Now, it is time for you to shine and to put the training to proper use.

Congratulations once again to the Graduating Class of 2018. I wish you the best and may you continue to give your best for the future of this state and nation.

Thank you.