Tag Archives: TVET

TVET curriculum to simulate actual workplace, says Kula

TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, , , , ,

PETALING JAYA: The Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) curriculum will soon simulate actual workplace situations.

These learning modules, which look to better prepare students for the working world, will be embedded into the curriculum.

Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran (pic) said the modules, known as “Problem, Project, Production”, are intended to engage students with real world tasks.

These are some of the measures that will be implemented soon, he said, to strengthen and improve the TVET delivery implementation.

His speech text was read by human resources department planning and research division director Junita Mohamed Ali during the Malaysian TVET Forum 2019.

On Jan 20, StarEdu reported that a new national framework sets out to level the playing field between academics and TVET, offering students more career options for their future.

“TVET is a branch of education that cannot be overlooked by any government.

“Chief among (these measures) is to elevate the quality of TVET programmes as well as TVET instructors; it is essential for instructors, public or private, to gain industrial experience so as to ensure they will be kept abreast with technology,” said Kulasegaran.

“The plan also includes continued funding under the Skills Development Fund (SDF) for TVET students who pursue high demand programmes by industries.

“Existing SDF loan mechanism for employee upskilling and reskilling will be revamped to increase the number of recipients through a cost-sharing arrangement with the industry.

“It’s important for the industry to be deeply involved in the financing aspect of TVET.”

To further strengthen TVET delivery, Kulasegaran said TVET training institutions will need to embrace and integrate the 11 important pillars of the fourth Industrial Revolution in their training, such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity and Augmented Reality.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my

Comment: Am not sure how would be the funds from SDF/PTPK be allocated but going at the current rate, looks like many private TVET institutions that depended heavily on the funding to recruit students would be closing soon.

So if you intend to set up at TVET centre, do your research properly, think what kind of students that you want to have & don’t just think about making money from their tuition fees, ensure they have bright prospects to get into employment with decent pay and your business will surely be sustainable & maybe even flourish when majority are suffering at thinking how to get loans from SDF/PTPK.

BERJAYA TVET College inks MoA with DMC Training (Digital Marketing)

TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, ,
BERJAYA TVET College inks MoA with DMC Training
Kanendran (4th from left) with Ho and Gregory.

BERJAYA TVET College and DMC Training signed a memorandum of agreement recently on their strategic partnership to create additional Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes for students.

The programmes will be offered for BERJAYA TVET’s March 2019 intake.

The 12-month programme is BERJAYA TVET Colleges’ first official certified training programme in Digital Marketing. DMC Training will lead the coursework in Digital Marketing with the support of BERJAYA TVET College including the four months internship placement.

“Upon completion of this programme, students will receive dual certification from both organisations, enhancing job employability in the current digital era or become digital entrepreneurs,” said Kanendran T Arulrajah, president of BERJAYA TVET College.

“To be successful in digitizing businesses, we must have the right talent to execute digital business strategies. With the Digital Marketing certification, BERJAYA TVET College sees DMC Training as the right strategic partner to work together with in achieving our goals of growing more professional digital marketers,” said Mae Ho Seok Khen, chief executive officer of BERJAYA TVET College.

This initiative is aligned with the vision of the new Malaysian government in strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and helping young entrepreneurs and small businesses develop and grow.

“We are honoured to have been selected by BERJAYA TVET College for this partnership. Besides contributing our training experience in the Digital Marketing Certification programme, we will also be providing career placement for students graduating from this programme.

“This is part of DMC Training’s initiative in helping school leavers start off on the right career path in Digital Marketing,” said Charles Gregory, chief executive officer and founder of DMC Training.

Source: https://www.thesundaily.my

Bringing back credibility to tertiary education

TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, , ,

‘For universities to be relevant, excellent and effective, a high level of quality must be achieved in various aspects, and this can be done through having academics who are more visible with works that are used by the community,’ – DR MASZLEE MALIK, Education Minister

By ROZANA SANI – January 23, 2019 @ 1:35pm

EDUCATION continuity to the tertiary level is the result of hard work put in during the years in school.

Many will find higher education a challenging world as it is here that students will get to know their real selves, the destination of the journey they are taking in life and the means of getting there.

Hence why the Education Ministry finds it crucial to bring back credibility to public universities and higher education through improved quality and emphasis on values as the core of education.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, in delivering his 2019 mandate titled “Education for All” last week, said the ministry has underlined four key directions for higher education – quality, autonomy, collaboration and internationalisation.

“University is an open intellectual field. It is there that theoretical debates, lively and open discourse, as well as the sharing of knowledge take place.

“For universities to be relevant, excellent and effective, a high level of quality must be achieved in various aspects, and this can be done through having academics who are more visible with works that are used by the community. We encourage universities to nurture the culture of having dialogues, debates, discourse and other intellectual programmes that will provide solutions to society’s problems and develop the nation,” he said.

Ethics is another important aspect that has to be focused on, he said.

“Bad work ethics, plagiarism, and academic bullying must cease. Integrity will not be compromised. Publication of article that has no quality should be exterminated. Publication should reflect the mastery of intellectuals in their respective fields and be regarded as universal reference within the field,” he said.

The ministry will also increase the quality of research grants to ensure that knowledge transfer will occur, encourage translation of great works and the research will establish results that will resolve current community and national problems in a substantial manner. Lecturers who have been awarded research grants are encouraged to guide and finance their post-graduate candidates by appointing them as research assistants.

“For lecturers promotion, we will start moving towards using a big data-based system with artificial intelligence that will accommodate all efforts and contributions from lecturers to determine auto-promotion eligibility. The requirement to fill endless forms will cease,” he said.

The library will be a broad and borderless repository of knowledge and the communication system between libraries at all universities and access to external publications be improved.

“We are aiming to have public universities and the higher education sector be referred to by the global community. The process of internationalisation includes the effort to increase the number of foreign students coming to Malaysia to study in line with the vision of making Malaysia an international education hub, and building more branches of local universities abroad through the satellite university method,” he said.

To increase autonomy at universities, the ministry will reassess the key performance indicators (KPIs) of each faculty and repeal the one-size-fits-all KPIs. Universities will be divided into clusters to create synergy and collaboration to no longer move alone. Autonomy is given to universities and their clusters to determine their respective KPIs.

Empowering students at higher education institutions had been and would continue to be given emphasis, said Maszlee.

Dr Maszlee Malik speaking at the Education Minister’s Mandate 2019 ceremony in Universiti Putra Malaysia. PIC BY ROSELA ISMAIL

Among the first attempts was the abolition of Section 15(1)(c) of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, which restricts the involvement of students in political activities on campus. This cancellation is in line with the government’s intention to lower voters’ age limit to 18 years.

“In addition, through continuous collaboration with the administrators of public universities in the country, we are working to create a Students’ Union, which has long been buried in the history of the country. Through the union, students will have more roles, opportunities and responsibilities in the decision-making process at each university,” he said.

The third direction – collaboration – will see the ecosystem of intellectuals be made more vibrant.

“This can be done through a mentor-mentee relationship between senior professors and new lecturers to realise more schools of thoughts in their respective fields. In this case, the universities should not be alienated from the reality of life. To prepare our students to become public intellectuals to handle tasks as society’s troubleshooters, universities must create collaborations with all the appropriate parties, such as schools, polytechnics and vocational colleges. A lot can be done by public universities to help local communities, including giving training to improve the quality of the teaching and learning process in schools,” said Maszlee.

In addition, universities also need to collaborate with other parties to create endowment from the waqf and zakat institution, as well as alumni.

“Use tax incentives to activate financial endowment through alumni. The alumni of the public universities are also asked to return to their alma mater to help out as is the case with international leading universities,” Maszlee urged.

A more drastic and comprehensive internationalisation effort will be mobilised, he said.

“Most importantly, academics of the public university should be referred to internationally in their respective fields and no longer just be jaguh kampung. High-quality work must be produced and translated, and the process of translation must be actively executed; rebranding and marketing must be organised more effectively at the global level. We also need to increase the mobility of professors and staff outside the country as well as have more academics from overseas visiting and serving in our country,” he said.

As for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), he said the ministry would continue to improve institutional capabilities and systems of TVET to remain competitive and meet market expectations.

“The ministry will implement a harmonised accreditation system with quality assurance for enabling student mobility in TVET institutions, including those in the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN).

“MTUN should also be moving towards the Fachhochschule system in Germany and measured with the production of technical graduates and the resolution of technical issues, and not merely producing publications.

“We will improve the quality and delivery of TVET programmes to improve the skills of graduates through an industry-led approach, eliminating duplication of programmes and resource, increasing cost effectiveness, and expanding TVET funding to increase enrolment,” said Maszlee.

“At the same time, the ministry is in the process of resolving the issue of recognising qualification from vocational colleges that will allow them to have equal opportunity to pursue higher education.

“This requires that vocational colleges be placed parallel with the other institutions of TVET to be in line with the industry’s direction,” he said.

Polytechnics and community colleges will also not be left out from reformation efforts to be carried out this year.

“Networking and joint ventures between the two institutions with the industry, particularly big and renowned companies, is a priority to ensure the marketability of graduates in technical fields.

“The alignment between MTUN and polytechnics is aimed to ensure opportunities for polytechnic graduates to continue their education. Polytechnics and community colleges has also opened up opportunities for the tahfiz students to equip themselves with the skills for a career in life,” he said.

Maszlee said the ministry was serious in making TVET on a par with other choices; not a second or an alternative option.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my

Kulasegaran: Join TVET to increase chance of getting hired at SMEs

TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, , , , ,
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran (centre) speaks to reporters during a visit to TalentCorp’s office in Kota Damansara January 23, 2019. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran (centre) speaks to reporters during a visit to TalentCorp’s office in Kota Damansara January 23, 2019. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri
PETALING JAYA, Jan 23 — Small businesses will be more willing to take in graduates if they have undergone technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said today.

He said since TVET in Malaysia is already paid for by the government, it was the best option for youths to arm themselves with skills.

“Furthermore parents should also encourage their children to study in TVET. That way SMEs would be more willing to absorb them when they eventually join the workforce,” Kulasegaran said during a visit to TalentCorp Malaysia’s office.

He was responding to PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli’s advice to the government to assist youths in finding jobs at small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a post on his blog yesterday, Rafizi said he also believed the government can help to increase the marketability of youths without having to spend “a single cent”.

Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com

Comment: Most, except for a minority few programs (like aesthethics), esp at Kolej Vokasional, have great facilities…but not the trainers. Was made to understand by the Verifiers for those programs that the trainers are not well versed with the program (to the extent of not being able to identify & use the right equipment for certain treatment….all due to the supplier who supplied the wrong equipment. This bring me to speculate whether there’s element of corruption/kickbacks, causing the supplier to supply cheap, irrelevant equipments at a much inflated price, just like in the past where a simple screw driver may cost 100X more than the market price!)

Hope the PH gov able to put a stop to all these corrupt practices, it’s draining our tax payer’s money & producing sub par quality of graduates.

Malaysian private education: A neglected and over-regulated industry — National Association of Private Educational Institutions

SKM JPK, , , , , , ,
JANUARY 24 — At the recent Majlis Amanat Tahun 2019, it was encouraging to see the minister of education showing a forward direction towards education in the new government. Providing greater autonomy for the public universities and less administrative load for teachers in the public school system, and thereby enabling teachers to focus more on teaching and learning, was part of Amanat 2019.However, it is very disappointing to note that the role of private higher education, private school education and TVET was not mentioned at all.

The private education sector has been supplementing and complementing the government in providing education for more than 80 years, since 1936. Based on current data, more than 51 per cent of post-secondary education is provided by private higher education institutions, saving the government billions of ringgit in expenditure in education. In addition, private education contributes to the economy of the country in the range of RM50 billion, of which close to RM17 billion is derived from enrollment revenue of international students. And not forgetting that all our graduates are gainfully employed and sought after by industry

However, the private education sector is becoming a sunset industry as many institutions are facing massive losses due to reduced student enrollment with some in the process of closure.

How has this come about? Past statistics showed that close to 25 per cent percent of school leavers each year do not enroll in any form of education or training. A majority of them belong to the B40 group (the group where annual household income is below RM40,000). Presently the percentage has increased from 25 per cent to more than 40 per cent. This is due to the requirement of a pass in Sejarah at SPM level. This has prevented and penalised students who have passed in other subjects including mathematics and science but failed in Sejarah. This has made a large number of SPM students ineligible to enroll for further post-secondary programmes like Pre University (Foundation, Matriculation, A-Level) as well as diploma programmes, and critically affected the enrollment of SPM school leavers in private educational institutions.

When the global focus is on science and technology and Industry 4.0, we are depriving our school leavers of the opportunity to continue on to post-secondary education and training and losing much needed talent in the workforce. NAPEI proposes that the requirement of a pass in Sejarah be reviewed. If not addressed, we believe this will also cause socioeconomic problems among the youth in the country.

In addition to the above, retarding policies and regulations set by overzealous bureaucrats related to administration and operations have further caused barriers to the progress of private education.

The enrollment of international students has dropped by about 32 per cent in 2018 due to policies and regulations that deter international students from choosing Malaysia as a study destination. Countries like Japan and Canada, which are already study destinations of choice by students, have made changes to their immigration policies and regulations in order to attract more international students. One of the more effective policies for Malaysia to attract more international students is to allow up to 20 hours a week of part time employment while studying. Another factor causing a decrease in recruitment of international students is the revocation of KDN’s licence to recruit international students. And in many cases, the KDN licences were revoked for reasons beyond the control of the institutions.

We will not be able to reach the target of 200,000 international students by 2020 and 250,000 students by 2025 if we are not serious in reviewing the existing policies and regulations.

With reference to Amanat 2019, the public education system will enjoy greater autonomy under the new proposal, but the private education sector is given less autonomy through retarding policies and over regulation of the Ministry, thus making it difficult for it to grow further. The private education industry wishes to work closely with the Ministry of Education to continue providing quality education. NAPEI suggests an impact analysis be done before any policy or regulation is rolled out, as per MPC guidelines. We are looking for more engagement with the Ministry of Education in further enhancing the human capital development of the country and to be an integral part of the new agenda outlined in Amanat 2019.

We hope related agencies and ministries like EPU, Miti and the Ministry of Finance too could be engaged to look at the bigger picture in terms of economic development of the nation and contribution to the GDP by the revenue derived from the international student market.

Source: https://www.malaymail.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Comment: Despite all the gloom, there are still demand to purchase either a pure TVET institutions or higher education centre (college and university college).
So before your college/TVET Institution run into high debts, quickly sell off your license to some others who thinks that they can run & manage a college/TVET institution.
Kindly email to ismarteducare @ gmail.com or whatsapp to 012-3123430 on what you have to offer (or what you want to purchase – we already have a lilsting) with as much details as possible.

TVET, a stepchild no more

SKM JPK, TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Students of Politeknik Ungku Omar get hands on training on automotive engineering at the workshop at their campus in Ipoh.

Students of Politeknik Ungku Omar get hands on training on automotive engineering at the workshop at their campus in Ipoh.

A framework has been proposed to address the long-standing problems of our TVET system

A NEW framework for technical and vocational training is in the pipelines.

If approved, the proposal will see a more streamlined, effective, and industry-relevant, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) system.

Proposed by the National TVET Movement to the Economic Planning Unit last month, the framework aims to address the country’s ailing TVET system.

“Our focus is on upper secondary school students. We want to create a TVET champion.

TVET students being trained to be industry-ready. — File photo

TVET students being trained to be industry-ready. — File photo

“We want students to have better access to choices between academics and something more hands-on like TVET. This is what’s happening in other countries,” said Ahmad Tajudin, who recently retired as the Education Ministry deputy director-general.

Among those part of the Movement are the Federation of Human Resources Ministry’s Department of Skills Development (JPK) Accredited Centres (FeMac), National Council of Professors, and the National Parent-Teacher Associations’ Vocational and Technical Consultative Council.

For too long, TVET has been the “troubled stepchild” of the education system, he said.

This framework tackles long-standing problems like the:

> Overlapping of programmes and certifications;

> Misguided focus on post-secondary TVET students instead of upper secondary students;

> Existence of multiple accreditation bodies and agencies implementing TVET;

> High operations cost resulting from the many ministries involved;

> Weak policies; and

> Private TVET providers being treated as competitors.

“All TVET institutions should be streamlined, rationalised, and consolidated, under the Education Ministry.

“This ensures that teachers and trainers are better taken care of under one scheme of service. And, there won’t be a need to close down any institutions if all facilities and resources are under one roof,” he said, adding that it would also be more cost effective for the Government while ensuring smoother communication between the industry and institutions.

Other reforms proposed by the Movement include:

> Reducing existing certifications to an important few;

> Having a single accreditation body for TVET;

> Establishing two educational pathways for students to choose from;

> Allowing industries to take the lead;

> Enhancing TVET apprenticeship programmes based on models from other developed countries; and

> Formulating policies and legislations to enhance careers in TVET.

Greater emphasis, and an overview, of TVET implementation is needed, Ahmad Tajudin said.

There should be training provisions to facilitate contributions from private TVET providers, and there must be closer collaboration between the industry and these providers.

“Our TVET system needs stronger institutional coordination, and greater transparency among the multiple public agencies.

“TVET restructuring is a small part of a holistic solution, but it’s a start to the reform,” he said, adding that strong political will from the Government was crucial to ensure the country’s TVET success.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the Government would continue enhancing the capabilities of TVET institutions and systems to remain competitive and meet industry demands.

Speaking during his annual new year address in Serdang on Monday, he said the ministry would implement a harmonised accreditation and quality assurance system to enable student mobility in TVET institutions, which includes the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN).

The launch of Limkokwing TVET International, a TVET Malaysia Training Centre at Limkokwing University.MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

The launch of Limkokwing TVET International, a TVET Malaysia Training Centre at Limkokwing University.MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

MTUN, he said, should move in the direction of Fachhochschule – Germany’s tertiary education institution specialising in topical areas.

MTUN, he added, shouldn’t be evaluated solely based on publications, but also on the ability of the graduates produced to solve technical issues.

He said the ministry plans to increase the quality and delivery of TVET by enabling the industry to lead the curriculum development, avoid overlapping of programmes and resources, improve cost effectiveness, and widen the funding to increase enrolment.

He said the ministry was also in the midst of addressing recognition issues involving controversial vocational colleges.

He assured polytechnics and community colleges that they wouldn’t be sidelined in the reform process.

“To ensure the employability of our graduates, closer collaboration between these institutions and the industry – especially with the big players – will be prioritised,” he said, adding that these were part of the ministry’s efforts in making sure that TVET, polytechnics, vocational colleges, and community colleges, are no longer seen as second choice options.

In June last year, Dr Maszlee appointed Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar to chair a special TVET task force.

The duties of the task force, said Dr Maszlee, was to conduct research across all ministries that provide TVET education and training, and recommend how the country’s TVET system can be improved. This includes a review of TVET education and training laws, and the possibility of a TVET commission.

However, the TVET industry was left reeling following Nurul Izzah’s resignation as PKR vice president on Dec 17, and her decision to no longer serve the federal government in any capacity.

“We’ll continue advocating for a sustainable and effective TVET implementation,” said Ahmad Tajudin.

Source: www.thestar.com.my

Comment: It’s good that the Ministry has identified the weaknesses & looking to implement the reforms (personally, I see that our TVET sector would soar to much greater heights compared to now, if reforms are implemented effectively & correctly).

But I have a doubt whether they would reform this particular weakness – Private TVET providers being treated as competitors.

It seems that there are plans to gradually “KILL” the private TVET providers based on their proposed plans (hearsay, so take it with a pinch of salt).

These include but not limited to:
1) Closing all TVET providers that are 2 stars and below after the impending 2019 star rating process (as early as March 2019). It generally affects the smaller private TVET providers who has very limited resources (manpower & finances) vs the public TVET institutions.
2) Closing/revoke Vocational Training Operation (VTO) programme of any private TVET institutions that has does not meet a min of 4 stars and above for that particular programme. Eventually, it would be just offered by the multiple satellite campuses of CIAST, nationwide,
3) Restrict the organising of the JPK’s various induction courses (PP-PPD-PPB, PP-PPT, PPL) to only  CIAST satellite campuses, nationwide.
4) and BEYOND – perhaps you can comment if you think what they are doing/planning to do is gonna KILL the private TVET providers.

TESDA strengthen ties with industry players in TVET education, training

Kursus Induksi PP-PPD/PP-PPT/PPL, , , ,

Employers and workers in technical vocational education and training (TVET) will play a larger role in the country as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) moves to strengthen its partnership with them for a more effective and efficient implementation of its training programs and other services.

This was after TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, signed the “Implementing Guidelines on the Establishment of Institutional Arrangements with Industry Boards or Industry Associations”.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña (TESDA / MANILA BULLETIN)

TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña
(TESDA / MANILA BULLETIN)

The guidelines aim to “recognize Industry Boards (IBs) or Industry Associations (IAs) as partners in the delivery of TVET programs or services”.

These guidelines also aim to “engage the direct participation of employers and workers in the design and implementation of work related to technical education and skills development”.

“The establishment of institutional arrangements with IBs or IAs shall encourage active participation of various concerned industries in providing relevant technical education and skills development opportunities, being direct participants in and immediate beneficiaries of a trained and skilled workforce,” explained Lapeña.

The industry sectors primarily include those that are considered by the agency to be Key Employment Generators (KEGs) such as Construction, Tourism, Agri-business, Wholesale and Retail, Health and Wellness and Automotive/Transport.

The IBs and IAs that will be recognized to represent their respective sectors will serve as the “conduit” of the industry in the design and implementation of projects, programs, and activities in TVET of TESDA.

Part of their responsibilities will include giving TESDA recommendations in the conceptualization and execution of skills development schemes, skills standardization, and certification, as well as to entice industries and employers to participate in these activities.

The IBs and IAs will likewise assist in the development of competency standards, curriculum, sectoral skills plans, and assessment tools.

These groups will also take part in the promotion and implementation of various TVET activities towards quality skills development including the conduct of skills competitions.

Initially, a Secretariat will be established to give administrative and technical support to the IBs and IAs. The Secretariat will be composed of staff from TESDA’s Partnerships and Linkages Office (PLO), Qualifications Standards Office (QSO), National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD), Planning Office (PO) and Certification Office (CO).

The TESDA PLO will allocate a budget of P100,000 for each IB or IA for preliminary related activities such as the conduct of meetings, conferences and the production of promotional materials.

The recognition of IBs/IAs is covered in Republic Act 7796 (TESDA Law) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) which allow for the establishment of institutional arrangements with bodies or associations such as industry boards that may support TESDA in the fulfillment of its objectives.

Source: https://news.mb.com.ph

Comment: Whether it’s Malaysia, Philippines, African countries or any other developed countries, the TVET institutions has to work closely with the IB/IA (in Malaysia it’s known as ILB – Industry Lead Body) so that graduates produced are able to meet the respective industry’s needs.

Local students wanted for TVET program

License/centre/college/school for Sale/Purchase, , , , , ,

 

 

Company Industry - SANY Group

Local students wanted – THE world’s largest concrete machinery company is keen on training young Malaysians under the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Sany Group Co Ltd managing director Keade Wang said China’s biggest construction machinery manufacturer exports to 150 countries, has three industrial building system (IBS) factories here, and is looking to expand. Plans are underway to develop a heavy machinery industrial plant in Kedah, and it wants to work with the Education Ministry to transfer its technology and train our students under the TVET programme.

“Sany Polytechnic College, which is over a decade old, is owned by the Group. We’re in talks with the ministry and a local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, to train Malaysian students and place them in Sany Group branches worldwide.

“We’re hoping to get the green light from the ministry soon for our Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) aligned syllabus to be used. We need TVET workers and local students are wanted because they’re multilingual. Those successfully trained by the Group can even work in our plants overseas.

Maszlee: Chinese firms want to sponsor TVET students | The StarThree months ago, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said Chinese firms want to sponsor TVET students.

He had that said there would be more TVET scholarship and training opportunities for Malaysian students in education institutions and companies in China, The Star reported.

Sany was among the Chinese companies which met him and ministry representatives to discuss preparing Malaysians who graduated from technical and vocational education and training to face the challenging international industry.

A joint-venture with local property developers will see Sany needing more of “the right workers”, said Sany Construction Industry Development director Chang Bar Kuei.

He said its design, production, installation, education, and equipment, are in line with the country’s CIDB requirements.

“It doesn’t make monetary sense to replace the entire process with machines and automation because it would make homes unaffordable.

“So TVET graduates don’t have to worry about being jobless. But, we’re selective about who we train because the right attitude is important.

“No point transferring knowledge and skill to someone who isn’t serious about the industry.

“That’s why our potential trainees must all undergo an interview process,” said Chang.

Dr Maszlee, he said, had visited Sany Polytechnic College last year, to understand the college’s focus on both theory and practical.

“This dual focus is important because students must be able to communicate and interact with others when they start working.

“The TVET workers we’ve seen so far lack confidence because the skills they bring to the industry is irrelevant. So we’re facing a shortage of quality operators.

“We want to make sure that the students we train have sound technical, and soft skills, so that they can work anywhere in the world.”

Chang said a relevant TVET syllabus is critical in ensuring that graduates are paid fairly.

Instead of cheap foreign labour, Sany, he said, preferred to pay young Malaysians who are serious about their careers.

“A TVET graduate can earn between RM3,000 and RM4,000 if their syllabus is industry-relevant. For example, our troubleshooting is all computer-run so we can’t get someone who only knows hardware,” he said, adding that Sany is willing to work closely with the Government on its TVET policies.

Sany has also engaged with the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) to identify potential trainees.

NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan said TVET and varsity graduates must be given equal recognition.

“Our TVET graduates aren’t paid enough. But then again, for them to be hired and to get a good salary, they must be trained in skills that the industry want – not the current syllabus. If the Government is serious about TVET, it has to get its act together – fast.”

On Dec 28, The Star’s exclusive highlighted concerns over the outdated TVET syllabus, and plans by industry leaders to chart the way forward. The newly formed “Industry Lead Bodies” would ensure that Malaysia’s TVET was on par with developed nations like Australia and Canada.

Two months ago, the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) – a five-year development plan for the country from 2016-2020 – was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The report found that the intake of TVET students has increased and though classified as technologists, graduates are not recognised as professionals with the bargaining power to demand higher wages.

Source: www.thestar.com.my

Comment: Yes, selecting the candidate with right attitude is VERY VERY important. A candidate with right attitude like passion in the subject matter and willingness to keep on learning (should be lifelong) other skills & knowledge is far more important than just being skillful in one particular subject matter but having a lousy attitude (in their work or their learning)

CON-sultant or Consultant? My experience in the TVET sector

Kursus Induksi PP-PPD/PP-PPT/PPL, Kursus Induksi PP-PPD/PP-PPT/PPL, , , , , , , ,

CON-sultant

As you would have known, CON-sultant is not really a consultant but just a CON artist who cons their victims via consultancy.

Just a quick sharing.

Yesterday, I had a meet up with another ex-public listed company, interested to purchase a TVET/JPK Accredited centre and/or MQA approved college license.

Guess what? A previous CON-sultant tried to push them to purchase an MQA approved college license for RM5 million (not a hefty amount provided it has quite a few good programs & with KDN license with clean records). However, when pushed for more details from the potential buyer, the CONsultant started making stories that do not jive, hence the potential buyer has some reservations. When pushed further for process flow, the CON-sultant came out with proposing them SKM/DKM via PPT method at a really hefty figure (5 digits/candidate!), without really probing what the customer actually wanted.

Now, I have this challenge to propose to the company on how they can achieve what they want but hey, it’s a good problem to have. If I can help them to achieve what they wanted, I’m sure I’ll be rewarded appropriately (not necessarily handsomely though :-P)

Another case happened just last month. Another CON-sultant proposed to sell his SLDN training centre (3-4 programs if not mistaken) for RM500K. Not sure what’s so valuable about the license but anyway he managed to convinced the potential buyer (to me, I wouldn’t even pay RM50K for that!). Unfortunately for the CONsultant, he made a very BIG MISTAKE, not sure it’s by choice or it was just plain silly. He asked to be paid in cash, no cheques, no bank accounts transfer, no receipts to be produced. WTF! Where on earth would a buyer agree to this kind of agreement? Even buying fruits for RM2 at fruit stalls along PLUS Hentian are given receipts!

And I really got a shock when a kursus induksi which cost only RM350 (maximum course fees chargeable, in case you are still unaware) was quoted at 6 times more! And because of the CON-sultant’s greed (did not pay me & lied saying he wasn’t paid & fooled by the client – despite the client made the inflated payments to him), I had no choice but to go after the client directly for the payment. Well, you should know what’s the ending for the CON-sultant.

Jho Low - Con-sultant or con artist

Moral of the above 2 REAL LIFE stories:

1. Be knowledgable in your area if you really WANT to consult someone on that area, otherwise, be upfront & frank with your client that you’re working with an associate and NEVER pretend that you know everything despite KNOWING NOTHING about it as clients may sometimes be more knowledgable than you in that area if you’re not the EXPERT! You may not be lucky to be able to CON all the way, just like the Malay proverb:
Sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya akan jatuh ke tanah juga

2. Be as transparent as possible with your clients, they will appreciate it.

3. GOD will reward you if you work hard & genuinely.

4. DON’t MESS UP with TVET Malaysia@ISE Education, we will go after what we’re supposed to get.

5. Consultants (individuals or companies) that agrees with everything that you requested as easy as ABC, especially without much thinking, should give you an ALARM! Don’t fall into the trap. Probe further on the Consultants past track records, a check-up for any info on the web (just Google the company or person, if not much web presences or many negative comments about the Consultant, that’s another ALARM!), testimonials and etc.

Here’s an interesting article on 7 tell tale signs of a con artist

With that, I hope you will not be the next victim to such CON-sultant!

And should you need any advice on TVET matters especially related to JPK/SKM/VTO/Induction course, feel free to call/WhatsApp (pls introduce yourself, who you are, what you want to know, in details) or email us at:
012-3123430 or ismarteducare @ gmail.com.

Partnerships vital for TVET to grow

TVET & Vocational Training - Malaysian News, , ,
(File pix) Dr Maszlee Malik (centre) speaking with industry representatives at the National Industry Dialogue 2018 in Putrajaya recently. Pix by NSTP/Rosela Ismail
By Zulita Mustafa – December 19, 2018 @ 1:36pm

INDUSTRIES should work together with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, such as polytechnics, community colleges and vocational schools, to build a new education system.

In a dialogue entitled “Building a brighter talent through TVET”, speakers from the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), MMC Corporation Bhd, Malaysian Federation Employers (MEF), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), and Polytechnic and Community College Education Department (DPCCE) of the Education Ministry concurred that expanding public-private partnerships is crucial in creating a pathway for students to take up TVET courses.

The industry’s role is to provide apprenticeship, while TVET institutions concentrate on teaching and training.

MRCA deputy secretary-general Datuk Bruce Lim Aun Choong said the retail industry should focus on the digital economy and invest in people and technology.

“The success stories are always in startups, which promote entrepreneurship and increase employment. In this new digital economy, TVET graduates can make money if they have the entrepreneur’s mindset.

“For example, they can go into franchising or the food truck business. If two hours of selling food and beverages can generate income, that is good enough.

“They can take pride in ownership and encourage more graduates to join them, thus creating job opportunities.”

He said with around half a million companies in the country, there were lots of job opportunities for fresh TVET graduates.

“I think the retail industry is the best fit. Now is the best time for graduates to join the industry.

“We don’t want anyone who is only capable of serving coffee at the workplace, or a researcher with a PhD, but we need someone with skills to do more than those.”

Instead of blaming polytechnics and community colleges for failure to produce enough TVET graduates, Lim suggested finding ways to get companies to change that mindset.

“If only industry players have the ability to look for ways to grow, then the retail industry would not need to hire foreign workers,” he said.

MMC Corporation Group chief financial officer Mohd Shahar Yope said collaboration between the industry and TVET institutions were important because they ensured a constant supply of manpower.

“At MMC, for example, we help TVET students join the industry. In Johor, we contribute machines to Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan. Students learn how to operate them so that once they graduate, they are familiar with the technology.

“We should also do away with the perception that TVET graduates are just ‘second’ choice compared with their university counterparts.

“For us, TVET graduates are skilled workers entrusted to manage and operate machinery worth millions of ringgit. In fact, with their know-how, they can work anywhere.”

Shahar said it was high time for TVET graduates to be accorded the recognition they deserved, so top school leavers would be encouraged to pursue a TVET education.

Meanwhile, MEF council member Zulkifly Abdul Rahman asked how the industry could mould its future talent.

“Which TVET institution will assist us? How do we create the value in terms of competency? The federation can update TVET institutions with the latest industry demand.

“Many companies already have interns. We understand the budget limitations, but if necessary, these companies can share the cost of training trainees.”

Zulkifly said TVET graduates deserved good wages as other graduates.

“The industry needs to review their salary and start profiling trainees on what they want. These will motivate them to come to work as they enjoy doing what they do.

“Another important thing that TVET graduates need to have is communication skills as they need to present themselves well.”

IBM Client Innovation Centre manager Mohamad Asri Ahmad said information technology companies needed employees who could design, think and deliver, and not just troubleshoot when computers break down.

He said up-scaling TVET education was an essential preparation for Industry 4.0.

“It is all about transforming the TVET system and making it the first choice among school leavers.”

DPCEE senior director (academic) Zainab Ahmad said it was time to change the perception on TVET education.

“We want to introduce the culture of research and development to the younger generation, and this is what we need to embrace,” she said.

“Our door is always open for any collaboration and partnership that you want to extend to us. All institutions, including polytechnics and community colleges, need to reach out to the industry.

“We should keep the networking growing, more so with the help of the alumni. We have many graduates venturing into businesses and they have become job creators for their juniors,” said Zainab.

Themed “Living Skills in the 21st Century: TVET Empowerment”, the National Industry Dialogue 2018, held recently at Putrajaya International Convention Centre, was launched by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.

Present was DPCCE director-general Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz.

Maszlee said TVET education played a huge role in the development of a highly skilled workforce.

He said the government must strive to provide education and training that were in line with global standards.

All this, he said, was to ensure that young Malaysians could find fulfilling jobs and remain competitive.

“The ministry has started the crucial work of creating clear articulation for TVET education in secondary schools, polytechnics and technical universities.

“This is to ensure that students can further their studies in TVET education, or they can work first and return to upgrade themselves later.”

Maszlee said the government planned to conduct a major mapping exercise to ensure that TVET programmes met standards set by the industry and accreditation bodies.

“Most importantly, we are keen to create more smart partnerships and develop stronger platforms for industrial collaborations, including public-private partnerships to ensure the sharing of knowledge, facilities and technology.”

TVET programmes in the country are offered at certificate, diploma and degree levels by seven ministries. There are 36 polytechnics and 102 community colleges nationwide.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my