Poor response to IKN new craft course

MIRI: The new course to be introduced by National Craft Institute ( IKN) in July specially for 16 to 30 years old school drop- outs or those who do not possess the Penilaian Menengah Rendah ( PMR) or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification does not seem to interest youths in Sarawak judging by the lukewarm response.

IKN assistant officer for economic affairs from its Student Affairs Unit Hamidah Rosly lamented that so far only ten applications were received from Sarawak since application opened on Jan 18.

“The figure is so low. We can take in over 100 students from Sarawak for this new six-month Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) course in Batik Craft, Textile Weaving Craft, Ceramic Craft, Wood Craft, Metal Craft and Rattan Arts at IKN Rawang, Selangor. The closing date to join the course is on May 31,” she said when contacted yesterday.

Hamidah urged those eligible to take advantage of the opportunities to register for the course which is almost 100 per cent free as return air tickets will be given to students from outside Selangor. Other facilities are also provided like hostel, monthly allowance, uniform and meals.

“Students only need to pay RM50 for their certificates upon registration,” she added.

“For rural applicants, we can take them in directly without an interview. So parents, encourage your children to take up the course to become professional crafters who could become successful entrepreneurs or obtain good employment in related industry,” she said.

Application can be made online and further details are available at www.ikn.gov.my or www.kraftangan.gov.my. Alternatively,WhatsApp to Hamidah at 012-2720295 or call 03- 60915322 extension 162 during office hours

Established in 2001, IKN is a government education training institute that has produced many highly skilled youths in the field of handicraft.