Human Resource Ministry and Huawei join forces to strengthen TVET
This collaboration aims to transform AI services into a valuable opportunity by providing training to develop the necessary skills for its effective utilisation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of many communities, simplifying everyday tasks.
In fact, research in Malaysia has indicated that 620,000 jobs across 10 sectors are expected to be impacted by AI and digitalisation in the near future, highlighting a clear trajectory of what to expect moving forward.
In line with this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Manpower Department (JTM), the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma), and Huawei Technologies Sdn Bhd.
This collaboration aims to transform AI services into a valuable opportunity by providing training to develop the necessary skills for its effective utilisation.
During a speech by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, he said that this can help Malaysians, regardless of their level or sector, remain relevant in a rapidly evolving workforce.
The initiative will be specifically included in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, where TVET has been known to be a "game changer" since its establishment in bridging the talent gap among Malaysians, especially in realising the digital transformation agenda, aligned with the government's goal to strengthen high-growth, high-value industries.
Emphasising that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has always prioritised Malaysia's workforce to be equipped in handling advanced technologies such as AI and robotics, TVET helps to optimise the usage with the skills included in its future training programmes, producing a complementary skilled workforce under this project between JTM and Kesuma with Huawei.
"The government recognises this urgent need and is committed to strengthening Malaysia's skills training sector by establishing world-class, high-tech TVET institutions and equipping Malaysians with 21st-century skills in AI, digitalisation, and the green economy," Sim said at the programme held at Mitec on Dec 17.
He added that the current initiative was spearheaded by the Prime Minister himself, aside from him and Huawei's top management in Beijing, as well as DAP's Howard Lee Chuan How, who was also present at the event, through a discussion held last month.
He also outlined Huawei's efforts in championing digitalisation within the nation through harnessing 5G networks, among other cutting-edge technologies, including enhancing TVET institutions across the country.
Sim, who was the key speaker during the event, further said that TVET is currently focusing on its 2030 policies, which include strengthening the development of skilled and high-income human capital, delivering world-class, high-quality education, enabling efficient and productive industry collaboration, planning sustainable TVET financing, and promoting TVET as a primary career choice for students.
Aside from using TVET training programmes, the collaboration also calls for JTM Training Institutions to play their role in providing cutting-edge information and communications technology (ICT) curricula and infrastructure, including smart campuses, smart classrooms, and data centres, among others. This will also simultaneously enhance the development of JTM Training Institutions across the country.
"The collaboration will commence at Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kuala Lumpur, where Huawei instructors will deliver modules on telecommunications technologies such as transmission for a start, and soon will be jointly conducted by the trainers from JTM Training Institutions, upon their certification as Huawei Certified Trainers," he explained.
Sim added that some of the TVET training programmes will also be held by the Huawei Learning Centre, where its first programme aims to train approximately 2000 participants, including industry engineers, new employees, TVET teachers, and students, with trainees going through assessments and receiving certifications developed by Huawei, JTM, and relevant JTM Training Institutes.
He said that other than the establishment of TVET Huawei Learning Centres at the ILP in Kuala Lumpur, there will also be additional TVET Huawei Learning Centres at other JTM Training Institutions nationwide, such as the ILP Pasir Gudang and ILP Pasir Gudang Senai Campus.
"These centres will serve as pilot projects for integrating hands-on training in emerging technologies, such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data centres, and 5G; fields that are shaping the future of industries globally.
"The opportunities provided by the collaboration will help Malaysians to acquire skills that are not only in high demand but are also directly aligned with industry needs," he said.
Sim said that the initiative emphasises the school-industry synergistic integration, ensuring that educational institutions and industries work hand in hand, aligning curricula and training with real-world demands.
He further said that the collaboration with Huawei Malaysia ensures that its support and global expertise can help the training system remain continuously updated and in pace with emerging trends.
He concluded by saying that the training system, a way of enhancing digital literacy and access to advanced technologies, can help to build an ecosystem where people's talents are armed with the right tools and knowledge to pursue greater aspirations. He added that people are a nation's greatest asset and deserve to be invested in for future success.
