UMPSA synergy expands Technology-Focused TVET

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 May 2024 - An estimated 100,000 Bumiputera Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees are projected to secure jobs with salaries RM3,000 higher than the minimum wage.

The demand for skilled workers in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, is rising, necessitating increased technical education and vocational training (TVET) to meet the needs of both foreign and domestic investors.

In a significant development, China has offered full scholarships for 2,000 Malaysian students to pursue TVET programs in the country.

Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin stated that as part of the Malaysian Technical Universities Network (MTUN), UMPSA has launched various new initiatives, including TVET programmes in coastal Borneo, to provide opportunities for students in Sabah and Sarawak.

"UMPSA is committed to developing local talent skilled in technology, which is crucial for leveraging economic opportunities. 

"Our Dual Degree Programme will also expand opportunities for research collaboration and expertise sharing in Engineering and Technology, enhancing the marketability of our graduates,” he said. 

The dual degree programme offers several benefits, including dual degree awards from UMPSA and its partners, practical-oriented holistic education, and recognition by Malaysian and international accreditation bodies, Dr. Yuserrie explained during an interview on 'Apa Khabar Malaysia Today' at Wisma Pertubuhan Berita Malaysia (BERNAMA TV).

Also present was the Director of the Centre for Corporate Communications, Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit.

Dr. Yuserrie highlighted additional benefits, such as career opportunities with multinational companies, academic staff with industry experience, and exposure to international teaching and learning practices.

"Students also have the chance to experience different educational styles between Malaysia and international universities. 

“UMPSA’s collaboration with institutions in Germany, now in its 14th year with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and recently with Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, reflects our commitment to internationalization. 

“UMPSA is also partnering with Beijing Jiaotong University and Tianjin University in China,” he said. 

He added, the programmes offered include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. 

"The growth of Malaysia's manufacturing and industrial sectors is driving UMPSA's collaboration with the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University in Kazakhstan, focusing on Industrial Biotechnology. 

“In line with the government's efforts to empower the technology sector, UMPSA's international collaborations will expand to Korea and Japan," Dr. Yuserrie said.

He also mentioned that strategic collaboration between MTUN and the Department of Polytechnic Studies and Community Colleges (JPPKK) provides pathways for polytechnic diploma students to pursue Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Technology within the TVET field.

During his visit to BERNAMA, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie toured the newsroom and Editorial Department, meeting with Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services, Nasriah Hani Darus, Deputy Executive Editor 1, News Desk, Elmi Rizal Elias, and Senior Executive, Commercial Department, Izzul Zunnurain Darusamin.

Looking ahead, Dr. Yuserrie encouraged prospective students, parents, counsellors, and the public to seek higher education advice at the Jom Masuk U 2024 (JMU2024) Carnival, running from 4 May to 9 June 2024 across ten zones nationwide.

The JMU carnival will stop at UMPSA on June 1 and 2, featuring over 70 higher education-related events at the UMPSA Sports Complex Hall.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)