Zahid conferred honorary PhD by Japan technology institute
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was yesterday conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Malaysia-Japan technical education cooperation.
The award follows the continuous efforts of Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, to ensure that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to serve as a platform for improving students’ skills, as well as strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The award was presented by SIT president Prof Dr Jun Yamada to Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council Committee at the institute.
In his speech, Ahmad Zahid said that the recognition will enable him and the entire team under the National TVET Council to work harder to make Malaysia’s TVET programme and ecosystem more competitive and of higher quality.
“I also believe that this recognition, at the international level, is important as a basis for guaranteeing that TVET is no longer a second-class choice, but instead makes it the main career choice, and guarantees a premium and lucrative salary, thus changing the public’s perception in dignifying TVET in Malaysia,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister is on a seven-day working visit to Japan, starting last Friday.
Earlier yesterday, he received the letter of appointment as the president of the Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) for the Malaysia Branch, which is an international organisation focusing on the promotion of international cooperation in various fields.
Ahmad Zahid received his appointment letter from OISCA International president Nakano Etsuko at the National Diet Building here.
OISCA International recognises the industrial apprenticeship programme in Japan by awarding Malaysian students a diploma in industrial training after they complete the learning programme.
This will provide opportunities for Malaysian youth to gain valuable experience, as well as increase their employability and market value.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said in the meeting, OISCA agreed to provide a place for the industrial internship training programme, and also become a career path platform for graduates who are interested in working with more than 5,000 OISCA industry partners in Japan.
“The City of Yokohama also provides the Yokohama internship and job placement programme, to open up opportunities for TVET graduates in Malaysia to build careers, not only in the country, but also at the global level. These efforts will be summarised to be part of the efforts to develop the National TVET Policy, scheduled for launch in June 2024,” he said.