Action committee set up to train, certify technicians with no paper qualifications
SIBU: Sibu Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( SCCCI) has set up an action committee on technical & vocational training and certification of technicians with no paper qualifications.
Committee chairman Dr Gregory Hii Sui Cheng said its two main tasks were to promote technical and vocational training among students who were not academically-inclined or had demonstrated keen interest in technical subjects from a young age; and certification of skilled workers with the experience but without relevant certificates.
Hii said Malaysia was facing the problem of graduates not getting employed due to a mismatch between supply and demand.
Sarawak foresees a serious shortage of technicians and blue- collared workers due to the expansion of the manufacturing industries and service sector.
“I therefore strongly encourage students, especially Chinese students in the above category, to go for vocational and technical training as demand for these skills is strong and salary attractive,” he said.
Hii who is SCCCI treasurer said in collaboration with the school authorities, talks would be held for these students and site visits to training institutes and factories organised for them.
“We’re helping technicians, some of whom are business owners who possess the experience and skill but do not have academic certificates to obtain skill or vocational certificates issued by recognised technical, vocational training institutions and various accreditation centres.
“These vocational or trading certificates come in handy when the government includes them as a condition for renewal or existing trade licence for starting a new business,” he said.
“Ultimately, we can ensure a continuous supply of skilled workers needed by small and medium enterprises which represent more than 90 per cent of all business enterprises registered in Malaysia.
“It should help in raising productivity as well as quality of manufactured products and services.
“In the end, SMEs, the backbone of Malaysia’s workforce would become more competitive and quality- conscious, enhancing its contribution to national economic development.”
Meanwhile, the committee has received three financial grants totalling RM80,000 from corporate leaders Tan Sri Tiong Su Kouk, Dato Wong Hee Toh and Hu Yu Siong. Tiong is a former SCCCI president, Wong its advisor and Hu its current president.
The grants were handed to Hii during SCCCI’s 85th anniversary dinner on Aug 12.