Helping SPM grads in exploring Technical and Vocational Education Training skills
Published on: Friday, June 23, 2023
By: Sherell Jeffrey
Some of the SPM high achievers posing for a group photo with Mustapha.
SEPANGGAR: The Sepanggar Parliamentary Office launched its Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Madani Assistance Scheme with the goal of assisting SPM graduates in exploring TVET skills.
“This is in line with the changing times and the needs of the industry, where skilled workers are in high demand in boosting the country’s economic activities,” said Deputy Human Resource Minister Mustapha Sakmud after launching the TVET Madani Assistance Scheme and officiating the Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang Madani (SPM 2022) ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Training Institute.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Sepanggar MP said the programme serves as a guide and facilitator for young people interested in pursuing their studies in TVET.
The scheme offers advice, as well as financial assistance to facilitate registration at any public TVET institution.
Applicants can register by clicking on the registration link on any of Mustapha Sakmud’s social media sites.
Regardless of the applicant’s SPM exam year, the aid plan would be open all year round. Priority is given to those residing in Sepanggar aged between 17 and 35.
ADVERTISEMENT
Those interested may contact the secretariat via WhatsApp at +6014 5619 565.
Earlier in his speech, Mustapha said the government aims for at least 55 per cent of SPM graduates to continue their education in TVET programmes by 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT
“In fact, as outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government intends to produce 35 per cent of the highly skilled workforce by 2030.
“Therefore, we give parents and students the space and confidence to explore government-provided TVET opportunities such as polytechnics, Giat Mara, IKBN (National Youth Skills Institute), ILP, and others,” he said.
He said TVET graduates’ excellent marketability by pointing out that 90 per cent of Kota Kinabalu IPL graduates secured jobs after graduation.
“It is not wrong to continue your education at an Institute of Higher Education or a university, but do not underestimate the current TVET field, which is in high demand in the industry. Educational excellence must be balanced with future career excellence,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ceremony celebrated some 200 SPM outstanding performers from schools under the jurisdiction of the Kota Kinabalu Education Office.
On another matter, he said he had met with the Water Department to ensure that scheduled water rationing is implemented for residential areas experiencing significant water supply shortages.
He said this in response to complaints over a lengthy water supply shortfall in some Sepanggar residential neighbourhoods.
“Water issue is not only in Sepanggar but also in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran. The problem is that the water source is insufficient at the Telibong Water Treatment Plant, that is the real issue, and the plant is now operating over its capacity, which causes insufficient water supply.
“There are residential areas on higher ground where the pressure is low, and one of the interim steps we have taken is to send water tankers to these hotspots where water supply is critical, but this is insufficient.
“At my parliamentary level, in any residential areas with no water supply for more than five days, we will send water tankers to assist. In addition, we have raised this issue with the Prime Minister, who has allocated RM320 million for the Sstate Government to hasten the construction of the Telibong Two Water Treatment Plant and to address the salty water problem in Sandakan.
“The Prime Minister and Chief Minister discussed long-term measures, including the need for a new dam, but this will take time.
“For now, we urge the Water Department to implement rationing, and in hotspot areas where there has been a water shortage for more than five days, we will send water tankers while waiting for the Department to restore water supply.
“What matters is that the people have access to clean water; do not wait till people complain before acting,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
.jpg)
