Skills training for school-leavers
THE Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) will be launching an industry-led training programme this year to expose school-leavers to the growing industry.
MARGMA president Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam said rubber glove manufacturing is an important nation-building industry.
And, Malaysia is the world’s largest producer of the product.
“The Malaysian rubber glove sector is a leading export industry with a workforce of about 72,000 employees.
“This industry employs less than 2% of the total foreign labour in the country.
“As the country and our industry move towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there will also be a multiplier effect on future talents needed in highly skilled categories such as electronics and electrical, mechanical and mechatronics engineers.
“This is why encouraging science and science-based education and subjects is the key to building a good future talent pool,” Dr Supramaniam said, adding that MARGMA aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for students to thrive.
The MARGMA Foundation recently sponsored a total of RM190,800 in school supplies and allowances for 318 underprivileged students from B40 families to kick off the school year.
Primary and secondary students from 16 schools in the Hulu Selangor district benefited from the “Back to School 2022” programme organised by Pertubuhan Perkembangan Dan Evolusi Pendidikan India Selangor (PEPIS).
Sponsored by MARGMA, the programme saw students receiving uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery supplies and Covid-19 protective gear worth RM400 each.
Every student was also given a cash allowance of RM200.
The aid presentation ceremony in Kuala Kubu Baru was officiated by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, MARGMA said in a press release on Feb 11.
The programme was aimed at bringing children in the B40 category back to school by supporting them with basic learning necessities. The foundation had previously sponsored a similar programme involving 110 students in 11 schools.
“We have expanded our support to more schools involving more students this time as the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years has caused more families and students to struggle with educational and basic needs.
“We want to ensure that these children are not discouraged by circumstances and that they know we recognise them as important future talents in our community,” Dr Supramaniam said.
MARGMA Foundation chairman Denis Low said he hoped the gesture would help lessen the financial burden of these students, allowing them to focus on returning to school and excel in their studies.
The foundation, he added, would also look into sponsoring a pedestrian walkway at SMK Syed Mashor.