24 graduate in furniture processing technology
KOTA KINABALU: Although the timber industry might not be the most ideal option for young people, the talented minds of the up-andcoming Wood Industry Skills Development Centre (Wisdec) Sabah might just prove that notion wrong.
Wisdec is a vocational college under the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), which aims to prepare its students with industry-oriented skills training before they set foot in the timber industry.
The college held its first ever graduation ceremony yesterday, where 24 students received their long awaited certificate in Furniture Processing Technology.
Despite it being a less-favourable course among young people, top students, Jie Arlina Jemik, 18, and Noel Mariwai De Aslido Jr are determined to achieve greater heights in the said field.
Noel was awarded the Best Student (Skills) Award and the Best Student (Overall) Award while his course mate, Jie took home the Best Student (Academic) Award.
“I am so happy to have graduated today (yesterday) as I have been waiting for this moment for the last two years. I am now furthering my studies at Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu (PKK) where I will take the same course,” Jie said.
Upon finishing her PT3 exam, Jie made the decision to enrol in Wisdec’s Vocational College Training Programme, where she took two years to complete it.
Last June, she was offered a golden opportunity of studying in PKK for a three-year diploma course.
Countering from being stereotyped, Jie said she never had doubts in setting foot in the timber industry despite it being more associated with men and their physical strength.
“It is very rare to find women who are interested in the timber industry. However, this does not bother me at all because I always ask myself, why not?
“Why not I just try? This line of work is less popular compared to the other courses out there and so far, I am really loving it,” said Jie, who is the youngest of three children.
When asked about her future plans, the Kota Kinabalu-born student said she does not have a clear plan as yet. All that she wants to do now is to achieve and secure a job position in the country’s timber industry.
Noel, on the other hand, aspires to start a business once he is done with his tertiary studies in PKK.
“It has always been my dream to start my own timber-related business,” Noel said.
He stressed that this course is actually not that difficult and all that one needs to do to achieve success is to be brave enough to step up and take the challenge.
Even though some people may not look at this course as valuable as its counterparts, it can still be used as a platform to acquire a better future.
Noel, who is the eldest of four siblings, won two awards during the graduation ceremony, a feat he never expected to achieve.
“I am really grateful to have received the Best Student Award. I never had the privilege to win such awards back in my previous school. I owe my success to my parents and Wisdec,” the Kudat-born student said.
Also present at the graduation ceremony was Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Nasrun Datu Mansur who said the programme was conducted from 2015 till 2016. “After graduating, a majority of these graduates will be placed in the timber industry. Three of them will be continuing their studies in Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu and two others will be sent to Wisdec Banting to undergo intensive training as they prepare for the World Skill Competition Malaysia (WSMB) this August,” he said.
Wisdec is the brainchild of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) and its main purpose is to provide its students with industry-oriented skills training before they set foot in the timber industry.
Apart from that, the vocational college also aims to enhance its students’ skilled workforce, thus reducing the country’s reliance on foreign workers when it comes to the timber industry.
Nasrun stressed that the formation of Wisdec is in line with the country’s efforts of providing a solid foundation for the development of the nation’s human capital.
“Human capital is one of the most valuable resources for the development of our country. In the 11th Malaysia Plan, the government had emphasized on the development of human capital through the strengthening of the country’s technical education and vocational training,” he said.
Also present at the event was MTIB head director, Dato’ Dr Jalaluddin Harun.