MELAKA: The Montfort Youth Centre (MYC) in Kampung Baru Ayer Salak here will hold a charity dinner to upgrade its automotive training facilities and equip underprivileged youths with skills needed for the rapidly evolving motoring industry.
MYC director Joseph Phillip said the dinner, held in conjunction with the centre’s 25th anniversary, would raise funds to revitalise its automotive workshop with modern diagnostic equipment and training technology.
“Our automotive department has been central to MYC’s mission, producing skilled graduates who have gone on to become technicians, entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” he said in an interview on Friday (Sept 18).
Phillip said automotive technology had advanced significantly from carburettor-based engines to electronic systems, hybrids and electric vehicles.
“To prepare our trainees for the future, our tools and equipment must keep pace with industry standards.
"Despite careful maintenance, much of our current equipment is outdated, limiting our ability to fully prepare our youths for the road ahead,” he said.
Phillip said funds raised through the dinner would be used to introduce modern diagnostic tools, electric vehicle and hybrid training kits, updated engine systems and safety-compliant workshop equipment.
The proposed improvements would also include digital and computerised training modules to ensure that trainees graduate with relevant and up-to-date skills.
Phillip said MYC was established to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people, particularly those facing social, economic or personal challenges, could be empowered to realise their potential.
“Through skills training, character development and compassionate guidance, MYC enables these young people to build sustainable livelihoods and lead dignified lives,” he said.
Located about 15km from the heart of the historic city, MYC nurtures young people through character-building guidance and vocational training.
The Brothers of St Gabriel, who have operated Montfort Boys Town in Shah Alam, Selangor for the past 49 years, established an MYC branch in Sabah in 1999 before opening the Ayer Salak centre in 2001.
Besides classroom lessons, workshop training and on-the-job placements, MYC students undergo character-formation workshops and counselling sessions as part of the centre’s curriculum.
Phillip said the workshop upgrading initiative supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
The charity dinner will be held at 7pm on Saturday (Oct 10) at Gabriel Deshayes Hall at MYC here.
Tables are available at RM25,000, RM10,000, RM5,000 and RM3,000, enabling individuals and organisations to support the initiative while participating in MYC’s anniversary celebration.
Tax-exemption receipts may be issued in compliance with Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) requirements.
For more details or to book a table, send a WhatsApp message to Ms Low at 014-980 0012.
