TO advance the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET), educational institutions and industry players must work together.
Such collaboration will help produce the technical talent needed for the nation’s growth, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Expressing his appreciation to enterprises, associations and partners who have supported VTAR Institute’s development, Dr Wee voiced his hope for ongoing collaboration and support from all sectors to enable the institute to nurture more industry-ready technical talent in the future.
“VTAR has always upheld a market-driven approach in its education. Each year, the institute nurtures hundreds of students, ensuring they acquire the latest industry-relevant skills and are able to apply what they have learnt.
“We are not only developing technical talent, but also cultivating key pillars for the nation’s future economic growth,” he said at the “VTAR Thanksgiving and Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner” recently.
In his speech, Dr Wee highlighted the numerous awards the institute has garnered in both international and national skills competitions, including five-star ratings in assessments by the Skills Development Department under the Human Resources Ministry for its Electronic and Electrical programmes.
“This achievement is not only a recognition of the institute, but also a strong testament to VTAR’s teaching quality, which has reached international standards. It clearly reflects the talent and potential of its students,” he said.
VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang, in her speech, paid tribute to the industry’s contribution to talent development.
“The industry has not only provided valuable insights and recommendations that help align our curriculum more closely with market needs, but has also offered internship and employment opportunities, enabling our graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce,” she said, adding that VTAR has co-developed training programmes with companies to nurture highly skilled professionals who meet market demands.
Pointing to recent collaborations, Tan said some industry partners have taken the initiative to sponsor students’ tuition fees, allowances and accommodation, helping talented youths complete their studies.
“Since its inception, the Precision Mould, Tool and Die programme has produced eight batches of graduates, and the ninth batch is scheduled to commence this April, continuing to supply skilled technical talent to the industry.
“In addition, VTAR has collaborated with Master Plumbers Association Malaysia (MPAM) to introduce the Plumbing Technology programme with a second intake planned to open in April to meet the industry’s demand for skilled technical talent,” she said.
Tan also drew attention to VTAR’s international engagement, noting that over the past two years, the institute has arranged five batches of students from the Electronic, Electrical, and Digitalisation Manufacturing Automation programmes to participate in learning and exchange activities with institutions in China.
“This year, the institute will continue to arrange for students to take part in more specialised exchange programmes in areas such as industrial robotics, photography and videography, and elevator engineering, further broadening their international exposure and enhancing their professional skills,” she said.
The event, held on March 12, brought together association leaders, industry representa- tives, partners and media members.
Among the guests in attendance were MCA secretary- general Datuk Chong Sin Woon; VTAR directors Dr Tan Yean Chin, Lim Kit Siong, Kong Yik Khai; TAR UMT Education Foundation board of trustees member Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look; MPAM president Goh Chee Seng; The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia former president Chang Yew Cheong; SME Association of Malaysia national president Dr Chin Chee Seong; Persatuan Anggun Menawan Malaysia president Hilrary Low; and Malaysia International Vocational Association deputy president Dr Alice Liew, a VTAR press release read.
