Working together to increase highly-skilled workforce

MALAYSIAN Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to mobilise and develop programmes related to careers and skill development in the biotechnology and bio-based sectors, including the agriculture and food industries.

Through this LOI, both parties will conduct academic and professional training programmes in bio-related fields.

The LOI will also see them conducting promotional activities for government initiatives and programmes, and collaborating in the commercialisation of scientific research.

They will also come together for graduate marketability programmes.

The programmes conducted by Bioeconomy Corporation include the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) initiative, where it was appointed the implementing agency by the Agricultural Skills Training Division (BLKP) under the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry.

The corporation also offers the Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT)-Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) (PPTSKM), endorsed by the

Department of Skills Development (JPK) under the Human Resources Ministry.

On UiTM’s part, they will work together with the corporation to bring in graduates and alumni to participate in the JPK and Penjana programmes, assist in promoting the programmes to relevant networks, and conduct technical training for participants before they go for job placements with industry players.

Bioeconomy Corporation acting chief executive officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said: “This collaboration can enhance and rebrand the skills of the workforce in Malaysia – especially in the bio-based and biotechnology sectors – to improve the income, living standards and well-being of the people, in line with the government’s vision to make Malaysia an advanced nation.

“This in turn can help the government to improve the economy and reduce the country’s unemployment rate of 5.3% as of May 2020,” he said during the signing ceremony.

The LOI was signed by Mohd Khairul Fidzal and UiTM Faculty of Pharmacy dean Assoc Prof Dr Shariza Sahudin.

Bioeconomy Corporation and UiTM will be conducting a PPTSKM

briefing session on Aug 11 at Hotel Concorde Shah Alam to promote the programme to UiTM professionals, technicians and support staff.

SKM is an internationally recognised certificate issued by the Malaysian government to recognise professional careers.

It also certifies individuals with expertise in a particular field.

Registration for this free briefing session can be done through https://form.jotform.com/ BiotechCorp/PPT.

For more details, visit http:// www.bioeconomycorporation.my/ program-pengiktirafan-pencapaian-terdahulu-ppt/.