Sim (right) with guests during the Chinese New Year celebration at Dewan Ng Yam Huat.
OVER 1,000 people took part in a Madani training carnival at Dewan Ng Yam Huat in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
The Karnival Latih Madani (KLM) as well as Program Kesuma Madani (PKM) were organised by Human Resources Ministry and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).
The event was part of a series of skills development opportunities planned throughout the country.
Spearheaded by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, the series was aimed at developing work skills of Malaysians in rural areas and cities outside Klang Valley.
In a media statement, HRD Corp said KLM was aimed at introducing its products and services to locals and raising awareness of upcoming events such as National Training Week 2024 and Latihan Madani programme.
Make-up classes are among the learning opportunities available at the carnival.
To date, PKM has been held in Johor, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
In his speech at the carnival, Sim said Malaysia’s economy grew by 3.7% although worldwide there was a slowing down.
“There was total approved investment of RM329.5bil last year, the highest recorded in the country’s history.
“This growth also translated into 127,000 new job opportunities.”
He said the government had approved RM44bil to help local SMEs in particular to move up the value chain through automation, digitalisation and other changes in technologies.
He added that the ministry would continue to take care of workers’ welfare and expand skill sets, with RM6.8bil allocated to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
(From left) Braille teacher Mohd Sahridan Mohd Ali (left) showing visitors Muhammad Yusuf Akhtar Muhammad Ridzuan alongside his brother Muhammad Darwisy Naufal, their father Muhammad Ridzuan Abdullah and mother Nur Fadilah Razali how Braille is written. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
As the PKM was held alongside Chinese New Year festivities at the same venue, Sim also emphasised the importance of unity.
At the carnival, HRD Corp also held other activities, such as Zumba and free training that included smart farming, floral arrangement, Braille reading, and baking.
HRD Corp distributed assistance as well to underserved communities in Bukit Mertajam.
Sim presented financial contributions amounting to RM15,000 to Pusat Jagaan Sinar Ceria orphanage, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kasih Ayah Bonda welfare organisation and Rumah Sejahtera Permatang Tinggi nursing home.
He also gave away school supplies to 100 local students to help them prepare for the upcoming school year.
