TVET INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT: LAUNCH OF INDUSTRIEMEISTER PROGRAM, INDUSTRY PLEDGE AND APPRECIATION CEREMONY FOR INDUSTRY SPONSORS
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
TVET INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT:
LAUNCH OF INDUSTRIEMEISTER PROGRAM, INDUSTRY PLEDGE AND APPRECIATION CEREMONY FOR INDUSTRY SPONSORS
2 AUGUST 2022,
PENANG SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
YB Dato Haji Abdul Halim bin Hussain,
Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development
YBhg Dato Seri Lee Kah Choon,
Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang and Director of InvestPenang
YBrs Ts Encik Kamaruzaman bin Hj Md Ali,
Deputy Director-General of Department of Skills Development (PJK)
YBrs Encik Muhamad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, Director of MIDA Penang
Mr. Daniel Bernbeck,
CEO of Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC)
Mr. Christoph Mueller,
Chairman of PSDC Management Council
Members of PSDC Management Council
Mr. Tan Eng Tong,
Chief Executive Officer of PSDC
Member companies and industry sponsors
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies & gentlemen
Good afternoon to all of you.
I am pleased to be here at PSDC’s TVET Industry engagement which includes the launch of the Industriemeister Programme, the Industry Pledge and an appreciation ceremony for industry sponsors.
While Covid-19 was the storm that brought unimaginable challenges to individuals, families, communities, industries and nations across borders, today’s event is a promising testament that multi-party collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships between stakeholders can greatly accelerate changes that will benefit Penang’s industry players.
In this respect, I was made to understand that the Industriemeister Programme– Mechatronics is the first German Meister program introduced outside of Germany, thanks to the joint implementation by PSDC and the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) with the support of B Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd.
With a focus on advanced technical and organisational aspects combined with knowledge in management according to the German Industriemeister Framework Curriculum and Training Regulations, I was further informed that the Industriemeister Programme will be opened for German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) graduates and non-German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) graduates, but permanent employees of the participating host company.
As you all may remember, the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) stemmed from a collaboration between the Penang State Government, PSDC and industry players. With a RM2 million sponsorship from the Penang State Government, GDVT was originally designed to upskill the existing technical workforce and school leavers with international-level skills and competencies. Recognised and accredited by the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and the MGCC, GDVT is also now recognised as a Feeder channel to join the Industriemeister – Mechatronics program. Congratulations!
Ladies and gentlemen,
Given that any industry conversation today will inevitably touch on the talent war, I believe the time has come for us not to merely lament on the exodus of talents or how demand for skilled workers is far exceeding the available supply. What we need now is a collective and pro-active action to address these concerns, namely to establish initiatives that will be instrumental in ensuring a consistent supply of outstanding, well-trained, and technically competent employees as the talent pipeline for future business needs.
On this note, PSDC plays an active role in developing future skilled employees. First is the partnership with its member companies in providing financial support for deserving SPM school leavers to have the opportunity to further their education at PSDC. With a combined value of RM1 million, this industry scholarship programme would not have been possible without the commitment from the following companies –
- B Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
- Sophic Automation Sdn Bhd
- UWC Holdings Sdn Bhd
- Inari Technology Sdn Bhd
- Smith & Nephew Operations Sdn Bhd
- VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd
- Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd
- Sam Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd
- Amity Research & Development Sdn Bhd
- Micro Carbide Engineering Sdn Bhd
- Continental Automotive Components (M) Sdn Bhd
- Jinko Solar Technology Sdn Bhd
- Cleantech Solar (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Next is the TVET Talent Development Initiative: In-School Program, a collaboration between PSDC and Penang STEM. Targeting school students from Form 4 onwards, this 2-year programme aims to address the shortage of technical talents and equip students with skills and experience which will enhance their future employability and meet industry demands. Under this program, 25 students from a total of 5 schools in Penang will receive sponsored education valued at RM25,000 per year.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the strong support given by the sponsor companies in making this program another lifeline for our deserving youths –
- Osram Opto Semiconductors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- Motorola Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd
- B Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
- VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Ladies & gentlemen,
I would also like to commend parties today on the realisation of the Industry Pledge, an initiative that actively seeks school leavers to join PSDC’s school leavers program. I was made to understand that under this initiative, PSDC members are committed in guaranteeing employment for students who enrol in this program. I am confident that this commitment goes a long a way in assuring parents and students that even as we grapple with unexpected headwinds and economic realities today, no one should be left behind in our race for a better tomorrow.
I offer my heartiest congratulations to all parties involved and I sincerely hope that today’s ceremony will mark the beginning of many success stories and transformed lives. Thank you.