MELAKA, Nov 6 – Two recipients of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Golden Hands Award have demonstrated how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can prepare Malaysians for successful careers in skilled industries.
Their achievements also show that technical careers are open to anyone with the right interest, determination and training, regardless of gender or academic background.
Among the winners is 20-year-old Arrisa Nabiha Nor Hisham, who received the WorldSkills Malaysia Youth Award for her skills in vehicle painting.
Her success challenges the common perception that automotive painting is a job mainly suited to men.
Young Woman Proves Skills Have No Gender
Arrisa Nabiha said her interest in the automotive industry began when she watched her father perform vehicle maintenance at home.
She later decided to develop her interest through formal skills training.
She completed a nine-month Level Three Malaysian Skills Certificate programme in vehicle painting at GiatMARA Jengka, Pahang.
The programme included six months of classroom lessons and three months of industrial training.
Her previous experience in car detailing, together with guidance from her instructors, helped her develop practical skills, particularly in using a spray gun.
Today, she works at Toyo Ink (M) Sdn Bhd in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
Arrisa Nabiha believes that career opportunities should not be limited by gender.
She said people should focus on developing their knowledge and skills in areas they are passionate about.
Industry Experience Helps Train Skilled Workers
Another award recipient, 41-year-old Mohd Raimi Masrom, won the WorldSkills Malaysia Instructor Award.
He is a mechatronics instructor at ADTEC JTM Taiping Campus in Perak.
Before becoming an instructor, he worked for more than five years as an engineer at a semiconductor company in Muar, Johor.
His industry experience has helped him provide students with practical knowledge of industrial machinery, maintenance and automation.
Mohd Raimi has spent 10 years teaching mechatronics. He believes students should develop broad technical abilities so they can handle different workplace responsibilities independently.
He also encouraged young people to consider mechatronics careers in industries such as food production, semiconductors, and oil and gas.
These sectors increasingly depend on advanced machinery and automation systems.
TVET Is a Career Path, Not a Second Choice
Mohd Raimi said TVET should not be viewed as an option only for students who perform less well academically.
Instead, he described it as a strategic pathway towards building a successful career.
He hopes the recognition will encourage more young people to pursue technical education and develop skills that employers need.
Both award winners received RM10,000 in cash, a certificate of appreciation and a trophy presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
They were also awarded the Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma.
Their achievements highlight the importance of practical education, experienced instructors and industry exposure in preparing Malaysia’s future workforce.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
