Human Resource Ministry encouraging TVET institutions to extend working hours

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Human Resources Ministry is encouraging technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to extend working hours to give an opportunity to those who are working to continue training to improve their skills.

Minister, M. Kula Segaran, said all TVET institutions are being encouraged to extend operational hours from 5.30 pm to 11 pm to enable workers to improve their skills in related fields.

“The current working hours from 8 am to 5 pm is the normal timing. The extension of working hours from 5.30 pm to 11 pm is to open up opportunities for those who are working full time to come and participate in upskilling training programmes,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a ceremony to celebrate Japanese Foreign Ministry’s commendation to Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI) for promotion of economic relations between Japan and Malaysia, here yesterday.

Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa presented the certificate of appreciation to Kula Segaran, witnessed by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Speaking at the event, Kula Segaran said it was hoped the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would consider collaborating with JMTI to make the institution a regional training centre for the JICA training programme.

“I believe this is significant as it lends credence to the name ‘JapanMalaysia Technical Institute’. There will be no financial implication by having JMTI as a regional training centre for JICA. In fact I think it will be advantageous as JICA will have a place to conduct training for whatever needs that arise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim in his speech said an effective public-private partnership was needed to produce graduates who meet the criteria and skills required by the industry, where industries could share their resources such as machinery and technical expertise to train more local students.

He said the government could no longer afford to equip TVET institutions with the latest and the best machines and equipment.

“Now more then ever, it is crucial that the private sector come forward and help the government by sponsoring or donating equipment or machinery to TVET institutions. Alternatively, companies may also provide opportunities for TVET students to be trained to use the machines and equipment available at their facilities.

“On that note, I would like to express my appreciation to JICA for their contribution of RM19.7 million for equipment and their team of long term experts instrumental in the establishment of JMTI,” he said. - Bernama