Crest, MAIA, AMMI launch RM30m grant
Investing in upskilling empowers individuals, supports country’s sustainable economic progress
The Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre (CREST), in conjunction with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), have launched the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries. The parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership aimed at enhancing industry-relevant talent to meet the growing demand in high-value sectors.
The government recognises the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries in the country and have given CREST the mandate to manage a grant of RM30 million to champion the upskilling grant with both MAIA and AMMI.
“The government’s designation of the aerospace and medical devices industries as catalytic high-value sectors highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the industries’ growth. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant for these industries is a positive step in developing future-ready talent. By strategically investing in upskilling programmes, we enable individuals to thrive in these dynamic industries, fostering innovation and driving Malaysia towards sustainable economic progress in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,” said Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri.
The Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries is structured to be executed within one year. It comprises four programmes that are designed to target essential facets of talent development within the industries.
CREST CEO Jaffri Ibrahim said, “CREST is hopeful that our partnership with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry
Association and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries will continue to strengthen as we move forward together, empowering both industry sectors and individuals with the necessary skill sets to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness, achieve sustainable growth, and advance towards becoming a high-income nation.”
MAIA president Naguib Mohd Nor said, “We thank the government for incentivising industry-driven programmes for the aerospace industry. This upskilling grant will help accelerate the development of futureready talents to fulfil the growing demand in the thriving sector.”
AMMI chairman Andy Lee Kuan Min added, “We applaud the government’s decision to support the medical device industry through the talent development initiative. Having the right skilled talents in place will help build a talent pipeline and be able to attract potential global medtech investors while powering the economy. We believe this collaboration will further enhance our quest to have a skilled and empowered workforce to support the growth of the medical devices industry.”