KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure better leadership quality, Umno division youth chiefs must possess at least a diploma qualification, says its chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh (pic).
He said this is necessary as today’s voters are not just looking for capable leaders but those who can address issues.
“We do not want our members to be seen as those who are only there to put up flags.
“We want to create youth leadership that is brave and knowledgeable because people today evaluate a leader not just based on his leadership ability but also his education background,” he said in his policy speech at the movement’s meeting yesterday.
Those who do not qualify will be assisted so that they can obtain their diploma, he added.
Dr Muhamad Akmal said the movement will work with institutions of higher learning and discuss with agencies the matter of loans or scholarships for them to pursue their education.
Umno Wanita and Puteri also spoke on education, in particular technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Wanita chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said a dedicated TVET centre for women is in the pipeline to advance their skills and knowledge.
She cited a report by Global Gender Gap which states that if women’s potential are fully explored and utilised, the country could increase its gross domestic product to up to 10% by 2030.
“This is a potential that we must tap, not just to benefit the country but society as a whole,” she said.
Noraini said the TVET centre is a project under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
“This is a commitment to enhancing women’s capacity and skills through various upskilling, re-skilling, multi-skilling and future skilling programmes.
“We have had discussions with the minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and the project will be implemented soon.
“The target is for 15,000 women to participate in TVET-related programmes and activities,” she said.Puteri chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi said the wing can play its role in encouraging more young women to participate in the TVET sector.
She said this will sharpen their skills, increase competitiveness and help them adapt to the needs of the industries.
“Puteri members can play their role by becoming TVET ambassadors or icons to spread the awareness of TVET programmes so that more young women can be empowered,” she said.
