LYON - His father’s encouragement and persuasion to pursue hairdressing at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Kemasik, Terengganu five years ago have been the driving force behind Muhammad Nasran Ahmad's many accomplishments.
Muhammad Nasran, 22, who was initially reluctant to enter the field, has now expanded his horizons not only locally but has also made a name for himself internationally.
"I wasn’t very interested in hairdressing initially, but my father insisted and persuaded me to join Kemasik IKBN to learn the skills...from there, I started learning and developed an interest.
"Later, there was a selection for WorldSkills Malaysia Youth Competition (WSMB) and, I went on to participate and win. My father is also proud that I get to compete abroad,” he told Bernama.
The Pasir Mas native has achieved notable success, winning gold medals in the WSMB 2023, WorldSkills ASEAN Singapore 2023, and WorldSkills Asia Abu Dhabi 2023.
Muhammad Nasran is now on a mission to win a medal at the 47th WorldSkills Competition (WSC 2024), which will be held here from Sept 10 to 15.
"It’s a great honour to represent Malaysia. We can fly the Malaysian flag on the world stage, and I hope to make the country proud,” he said.
WSC 2024 features 62 skill areas, with Malaysia participating in 14 of them, including Robot System Integration, IT Software Solution for Business, Heavy Vehicle Technology, and Digital Construction.
Malaysia aims to win at least three medals in this edition.
Previously, media reported that the government is providing a special incentive of RM40,000 to gold medal winners at the WSC Lyon.
Silver medal winners will receive RM20,000, bronze medalists RM10,000, and RM4,000 will be awarded to the Medallion for Excellence winners. - BERNAMA