PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for members of the Malaysian Armed Forces has been described as a ‘game changer’, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the initiative could also open up more highly skilled job opportunities for this group after completing their service, especially in efforts to ensure that members and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have clearer career paths in the public sector and industry.”Today we are witnessing a ‘game changer’ that I have dreamed of since I became Minister of Defence.
“Not only to provide opportunities for veterans to venture into the field of transportation and logistics, but also to ensure they continue to be the quality workforce that the country needs,” he said when speaking at the Strategic Cooperation Council between MOT and MINDEF for TVET Empowerment of ATM Members, here today.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
As an initial step in implementing the collaboration, 3,208 job vacancies have been identified in the transportation sector covering the port, logistics, rail, public transport and land transport sub-sectors.
Ahmad Zahid said the collaboration proved the effectiveness of a cross-ministerial approach that prioritised swift action rather than working separately or in silos.
He said the proposal was presented by the Ex-Servicemen’s Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) to the National TVET Council about three months ago, before being successfully realised in a short period of time.
“We see that when we take an approach that does not work in silos, the results can be implemented immediately,” he said.
The initiative also reflects the MADANI Government’s concern for military personnel who are about to retire, especially those who have completed short-term service and still have great potential to contribute to the national economy.
He said PERHEBAT was also transforming by introducing courses that better meet the needs of the current industry compared to conventional courses that promised less return to participants.
“… this is a commitment to translating the national agenda. It means the MADANI government’s concern for all groups in society, especially those who are about to retire from military service,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the logistics sector, including aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), the maritime industry and various other service sectors, is in dire need of a workforce with high discipline and strong work ethics.
He said ATM members and officers have these advantages as a result of their training and experience throughout their service, thus making them valuable assets to the industry.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Chairman of the National TVET Council, said the government would move towards TVET 2.0 by focusing on developing a high-impact and highly skilled workforce that meets market demand.
He said RM7.9 billion has been allocated this year to train and coordinate 1,345 TVET institutions under 12 ministries.
The coordination efforts are beginning to show results when the number of students participating in TVET institutions has increased to 497,000 compared to only 121,000 two years ago.
— BERNAMA
