KULAI: While there is nothing to stop Johoreans from working in Singapore, job seekers should also look for opportunities within the state as its talent development council is teaming up with industry players to offer a basic salary of RM4,000, says exco member Aznan Tamin.
The state education and information committee chairman said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been collaborating with industry players in sectors such as manufacturing and data centres to offer salaries that are higher than the market rate.
He said various companies have started offering a higher salary scheme since the initiative was mooted by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“We do not stop people from taking up jobs in Singapore, but we want them to know that there are opportunities for them to earn attractive salaries here without having to cross the border.
“During a premium job fair in Johor Baru recently, many companies offered starting salaries of RM4,000 and above for high-skilled degree holders. Some of the job seekers I met there also expressed their willingness to return to work in Johor.
“Besides the pay, they cited reasons such as convenience and time, as they do not have to commute across the border daily, as among the factors considered,” he said yesterday.
JTDC, he added, is also involved when investors sit down with Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, as a move to ensure the state government’s vision of having high-paying jobs is realised.
Aznan earlier witnessed the signing of a note of understanding between JTDC and Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, a Johor-based bus manufacturing company.
He added that the company has set a new benchmark for the industry with their willingness to accept the state government’s call to offer a basic salary of RM4,000 to high-skilled workers.
“Through this initiative, JTDC and Sun Bus Tech will also offer on-site training to match the industry’s needs.
“Their participation reflects how local industries can help to champion and build a stronger future for Johor’s talent development,” he added.
Meanwhile, the company’s chief executive officer Shyan Phang said about 200 vacancies with the premium salary scheme are available, with around 40% already filled.
“Through this programme, we will welcome trainees into our workshops and assembly lines for immersive on-the-job training.
“They will learn directly from our engineers and technicians, mastering the skills that turn raw materials into buses that serve communities across the region,” she said, adding that the company’s aim is to attract, groom and retain Johor talents.
