Datuk Seri Richard Riot
MIRI: The role of the Ministry of Human Resources as the main driver in developing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Malaysia is undisputed, said its minister Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem.
According to him, various programmes have been designed through the Skills Development Department (JPK) to uphold skills training in tandem with the latest industry and technology development.
“The state has taken a serious emphasis on technical education in the effort to produce a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the industry, especially in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) development region.
He pointed out that the direct involvement of JPK and the state government in promoting skills training to youths is a proactive move.
“By organising Sarawak World Skills Competition 2017, which began in late August until September 2017, it proves our seriousness in recognising local youth talent in the competing skills fields so it can be featured until the international level,” he said at the ministry’s ‘Majlis Jalinan Ramah Mesra’ dinner here on Monday.
Riot pointed out that his ministry has always been involved in the industry to ensure that students at the Human Resources Department Training Institute (ILJTM) students are exposed to the latest training to enhance their skills.
“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by ILJTM in Sarawak with, among others, Petronas Carigali, Sarawak Energy and Telekom Malaysia. These collaborations are aimed at training students in relevant industry fields,” he said, adding such efforts are value-added to students and will make them more competitive, as well as increase their level of workability in the marketplace.
Riot also highlighted the achievements of former ILJTM graduates in their respective fields who are currently earning high salaries.
“I was made to understand that one of the graduates of Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Kota Samarahan, namely Michael Likik Engong, is working as a senior machinist at Heerema Marine Contractors in the Netherlands and is earning a monthly income above RM20,000.
“Congratulations too to ILP Miri on its Welder Arm project victory in the Asean New Invention Innovation category at Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2017 in Brunei last May. This proves that the Manpower Department (JTM) succeeds in producing high-profile and high-income human capital,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin and JTM deputy director general Norman Kusin were among those present at the dinner.
