LONDON: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi concluded his working visit to the United Kingdom, generating renewed enthusiasm to strengthen ties in the areas of franchising, education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and tourism between the two nations.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a joint committee between Malaysia and the UK franchise associations would be formed to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The committee needs to be formed to provide greater market exposure for Malaysian companies, he added.
“We feel there is a lot of potential for Malaysian companies to establish and expand their franchises in the UK, especially in terms of halal products, be they food and beverage, education, cosmetics or even traditional Malay medicine.
“The committee must be formed immediately and I will monitor its performances every six months through the Cabinet committee on franchise, which I chair,” he told reporters towards the end of his four-day visit here.
Ahmad Zahid said the decision was made following a dialogue session with franchise players from Malaysia and the UK.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who also held a dialogue session with tourism industry players, said engaging with the various industries was an important step, instead of depending solely on government-to-government talks.
“What is more important is business-to-business as well as people-to-people engagements.
“I feel such engagements will have a big impact on the two countries,” he added.
On the TVET front, Ahmad Zahid, who gave a public lecture at University College London during his working visit, said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean’s TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
“TVET’s intake has reached 436,285, with 53.5% of SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) school-leavers choosing the course.
“Some 94.5% of graduates successfully obtained jobs.
“To further strengthen this achievement, Malaysia will send teaching personnel for further studies through global cooperation with the UK to expand relations with industries and ensure marketability,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties with the UK in the areas of TVET, rural development and renewable energy.
The move aims to bolster resilience against global climate change, following his meeting with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed.
“I also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment towards expanding cooperation with UK academic and industrial institutions, and also touched on cooperation on rural transformation,” he added.
During his meeting with Malaysian students, particularly those sponsored by Mara, Ahmad Zahid expressed his pleasure at their enthusiasm regarding the transformative policy on TVET introduced by the government.
“I reiterated that the students, especially the Mara-sponsored ones, must not only gain knowledge abroad but they must return to Malaysia and contribute to the country,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister departed for Geneva for a working visit.
