Human Capital Development In Malaysia

[nazrey]

Human Capital Development In Malaysia

Originally Posted by nazrey

Human capital in spotlight
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2011/01/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

Foreign businesses operating in Malaysia are impressed with the detailed focus of the transformation programmes towards becoming a high-income economy but say human capital remains a sticky issue.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said there was a general feeling that Malaysia must buck up in terms of implementation.

"Some of the frustrations they have faced on the ground centred on human development - foreign labour issues and obtaining talent for their respective sectors," Mustapa told journalists at a media briefing after a two-hour dialogue session with members of 34 foreign business councils and various commercial counsellors from embassies.

Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala, who was also present, spoke about the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

During the closed-door session, some of the foreign businessmen shared their frustrations in terms of varying efficiency levels of government agencies.

"They said the approval processes were not quick enough as in the case of work permits.

"We have taken on board all the recommendations and hope to make the improvements during the course of the year," assured Idris, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

"We're encouraged by the enthusiasm (of the foreign business councils) which are genuinely keen to see Malaysia's transformation," Idris said.

On confusion faced by foreign investors in relation to the various organisations, Mustapa and Idris said the Malaysian Investment Development Agency (Mida) remains the first port of call for manufacturing and services.

"From there, if the investor is targeting Iskandar or other growth corridors or MDEC (Multimedia Development Corp), Mida will refer to them so that we don't trip over each other," Idris added.

He also said that issues will be resolved with the highest involvement of the Economic Council. Mustapa said there has been improved coordination within leaner agency structures now.

"In the past, there was a lack of coordination but now there is more sharing with once-a-fortnight meetings being held between us and Pemandu, so that we can address the weaknesses," he said.

Korean Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk Lee Sang Bai, in describing the ETP as impressive, said he will be sharing the Malaysian transformation programme with his counterparts in Seoul.

South Korea has placed Malaysia on its high radar last year following the visit of its president , and Mustapa plans to make a strategic investment mission to the country soon, together with Idris.

Malaysia Australia Business Council chairman Michael Halpin said while it was still early days yet, business councils were aware of the mammoth task ahead of Malaysia in the transformation.

Earlier, Idris presented the long-term goals of ETP under the New Economic Model where he pointed out that the Government Transformation Programme had produced positive results in six of the National Key Result Areas within 12 months.

These deliverables included fighting corruption, reducing crime, reducing poverty, enhancing education, improving rural basis infrastructure and urban public transport.

Originally Posted by nazrey

http://www.nst.com.my/

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN CAPITAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (R) chairs the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Human Capital at the Committee Room 2, Level 1, Main Block, Parliament. Immediately next to the DPM is Datuk Seri Khalid Nordin. -- Picture by NST/ Ghazali Bujang
Mar 8, 2011 11:33 am

Originally Posted by nazrey

10MP programs on track
Posted on April 22, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=124879

THE State Government will start to implement its initial rolling plan programmes under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) slated for 2011 and 2012, according to Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

Various specific programmes and development projects have been drawn up, he said when delivering the State Government’s policy speech at the opening of the 13th State Assembly sitting in Likas yesterday.

Juhar disclosed that all the planning for the programmes and projects were done after taking into consideration the state’s needs in term of development, future challenges, current economic and global trends.

“I therefore hope that the State Government will be able to ensure that all development programmes planned under the first rolling plan will be implemented effectively in the interest of the people.

“The Government must also take immediate steps to resolve all the problems contributing to the delay in the implementation process,” he stressed.

Juhar also reminded civil servants of their responsibility to rejuvenate and facilitate the private investments in the state.

He stressed that the Government must provide a more conducive situation in order to assist the private sector and drive the state’s economy.

Policies and investment procedures must therefore be very clear and simplified so that the process of starting business in Sabah is as smooth as possible, he said, adding that with globalisation comes challenges and stiffer competition, there is a need for all to raise their skills, effectiveness and productivity.

“Direct growth in the private sector will create more job opportunities and strengthen the Government’s financial resources thus boosting the state’s development,” he said.

In the context of a multi-racial nation, unity is the key to harmony and prosperity, Juhar said, adding that the state and country have successfully used this a source of strength.

“Therefore we must continue to build a community that is not only firm and harmonious but also has the willingness to compromise and accept the various traditions in the state and country,” he said.

According to Juhar, the State Government, in its efforts to go forward towards achieving its objectives under the 10MP, must focus on the five strategic halatuju for 2011.

These include making full use of the Government Transformation Programme, the Economic Transformation Programme, human capital development, promoting research and development (R&D) and commercialization, improving the quality of life as well as enhancing business friendliness in Sabah.

He stressed that to ensure Sabah becomes a developed state, various steps must be taken and urged all Sabahans to double their efforts as well as cooperation in order to achieve the goal.

[nazrey]

Strategies to develop innovative human capital unveiled
Posted on April 26, 2011, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=125983

PUTRAJAYA: A plan to promote the development of innovative human capital launched today aims to boost innovation in the country besides creating a more knowledgeable workforce.

The plan comprises 45 strategies, 112 action plans and 108 key performance indices (KPIs).

One of its main targets is to produce some 60,000 PhD holders by 2023.

“There’s an urgent need to develop innovative human capital in the country in hopes that they can come up with innovative products,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin when launching the plan here yesterday.

He said the plan would focus on efforts to nurture ‘innovation literate’ graduates who were skilled in research methods and problem-solving, and had the potential to become entrepreneurs.

To further promote an innovation-based economy, Mohamed Khaled said the plan suggested that the government as well as government-linked companies craft a policy that encourage the purchase of products based on local research and innovation programmes.

The minister said the ministry would make available a RM1 million fund to promote innovation and commercialisation activities.

The MyBrain 15 programme outlined in the plan aims to produce, among others, 5,000 PhD holders under the MyPhD project, 40,000 Master’s degree holders under MyMaster and 500 PhD Industry holders, by 2015.

Mohamed Khaled said that 2,122 applications for the three schemes had been approved so far. — Bernama

[nazrey]

Private technical institutes encouraged to invest in human capital development
Posted on April 28, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=126743

THE State Government should encourage more private institutions to open vocational and technical training centres, said Bongawan assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang.

Suggesting this at the State Assembly sitting yesterday, Karim said this is to support the effort to create skilled human capital and competitive young entrepreneurs for developing the agriculture and agro-based industry in Sabah.

“With the encouragement of the State Government, Sabahan youths would have more opportunities created to gain knowledge in entrepreneurship and technical skills to participate in the development of this sector and in return to improve their economy.

“This is important towards achieving the government’s aspiration to create a vibrant economic development in Sabah, to eradicate poverty and enhance the State’s competitiveness and productivity,” he said when debating the Head of State’s policy speech.

Karim added the presence of more private technical institutes in Sabah would attract more school leavers to further their studies so that they can be more independent and would not rely too much on government’s assistance and subsidy.

He stressed that the agriculture and agro-based industry in Sabah was still largely unexplored despite the state having vast areas of fertile land.

He said Sabah is also geographically and strategically located within the rapidly growing BIMP-EAGA region which has a market of almost 140 million people.

Apart from tourism, he said, agriculture and agro-based industry are highly promising industries that can be further developed to significantly improve the State’s economy.

Strategies to develop the sector must not however exclude the local people but should instead be focused on finding ways how Sabahans can benefit from it and preparing the youths with the skill and knowledge was the best way to do it.

In this regards, he also urged plantation industry players in Sabah to reduce the number of foreign workers so as to allow more trained and highly skilled locals to take up the jobs availabe in the sector.

He said this would not only help provide employment opportunities to the locals but would also impact positively on the industry with the hiring of more skilled and trained workers.

He noted that Sabah was now in the final stage of phase one of the Sabah Development Corridor, the implementation of which require first class human capital for developing agriculture-based industries.

“As such, I must stress again that private technical institutes should seize the opportunities to invest in human capital development. This can also be considered as a corporate social responsibility to help increase the income and skills of the community,” he said.

[nazrey]

1,000 youths sponsored for skill training programmes this year
Posted on April 29, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=127006

THE Human Resource Development Department (JPSM) under the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology will sponsor 1,000 local youths for various skill training programmes this year.

The skill-based courses include dive master, nature guide, hospitality, beauty, grooming, tailoring, culinary, computer, reflexology, pastry, video shooting and flower arrangement.

In addition, 500 youths, single mothers and disabled people are expected to benefit from short-term courses such as cooking, tailoring, phone repair, handicraft and traditional cake preparation courses.

Deputy Chief Minister cum Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai said this at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday, adding that JPSM would continue to conduct 15 skill training programmes in technical and commerce fields for 314 youths statewide this year at the Commerce and Technical Training Institute (ILTP) in Papar.

He added that a new course, chargement, which started in January this year, is a partnership between JPSM, the Energy Commission and INSTEP Petronas.

“A total of 20 trainees have been accepted for the first session to undergo a three-year training.”

Yee further said that his ministry will organize English courses in Sabah to improve the standard of English among graduates, youths and the rural people.

“My ministry realized the weakness in the usage and command of English among young people, graduates and the rural people.

“Their weakness in English is among the factors of unemployment,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Yee said a study of human resource needs in Sabah for 2011 to 2015 is expected to complete in mid-year, which will be used to draft human resource development in Sabah for the next 15 years.

Speaking on information technology, Yee revealed that his ministry will increase and expand Sabah.Net, a state government-owned digital network, to 380 locations with a minimum speed of one Mbps.

The upgrade, which will link state government offices, including local authorities, is aimed to improve the delivery service of the state government to customers, he said.

“My ministry hopes that with the upgrade of Sabah.Net, it will encourage all state government agencies to innovate and develop online system applications to bring service to customers in a faster, more efficient and quality way.”

Yee further said that his ministry has proposed to build a submarine cable from Sabah under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to connect the state to the Internet.

“I understand that the federal government has agreed to execute this project as an Entry Point Project (EPP) under the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) which is coordinated by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in the Prime Minister’s Department.

“I hope this project will be undertaken promptly to upgrade the Internet service, including broadband in Sabah as well as reduce the cost to consumers.”

[nazrey]

Child Protection Team set up
Posted on April 29, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=127062

LAHAD DATU: The establishment of the Child Protection Team (CPT) serves as a regional support system for child protection services, said Sabah Social Welfare Department director Ithong @ Etong Terang.

Among the activities undertaken by the CPT is the establishment of a Child Activity Centre which is designed and implemented according to the needs of local communities.

The Child Activity Centre also holds several activities and programmes such as a care centre, tuition, counselling, computer classes and courses in parenting and child development.

He said this effort is done to help prevent cases of abuse and neglect of children, school absenteeism, corruption and other social problems.

“The CPT should also perform activities or programmes consistent with the needs of the community.

Therefore, cooperation from all parties is necessary to meet the objectives and goals of CPT,” he said when officiating at the ceremony to present certificates to 26 Children Protection Team committee members from Lahad Datu, Tawau, and Semporna here, on Wednesday.

Ithong in his speech which was delivered by Sabah Child Welfare Services Department assistant director Haslinda Kadir Jelani, said the cooperation would be used as a catalyst in implementing and designing appropriate programmes for the children.

Also present at the ceremony were district officer Zulkifli Nasir, district hospital director Dr Tan Hee Ting, Tawau Social Welfare Department officer Ahmad Razalie Selabin and Lahad Datu Social Welfare Department officer Rahman Osman.

[nazrey]

‘Make PhD as basic requirement for IPT lecturers’
Posted on April 29, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=126904

KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry yesterday suggested that doctorate degree (PhD) be made the basic requirement for lecturer post at all public institutions of higher learning in the country.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, said this was necessary to achieve the 75 per cent lecturers with Phd in research universities and 40 per cent at other universities.

“The increasing number of quality lecturers is one of the elements in the effort to empower institutions of higher learning (IPT),” he said in response to a question from Dr Syed Husin Ali in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

Saifuddin said the ministry also encouraged IPT to get qualified and experienced lecturers from overseas.

“The ministry has provided incentives to attract foreign experts to do their research at the IPT by providing attractive packages through the ‘contract for service’.

“The IPT can also attract specialist from local industries to contribute full time or on part time basis in teaching and research activities to reduce cost of getting the service of foreigners,” he added.— Bernama

[nazrey]

Educational policy needs to focus on human capital development
2011/05/04
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/E...pment/Article/

Developing quality human capital will be crucial to achieving a developed nation status by 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government in drafting the education policy should pay more attention to the objective of developing quality human capital, said the president of Transparency International, Malaysia (TI-M) Datuk Paul S K Low.

Developing quality human capital will be crucial to achieving a developed nation status by 2020, he said at the Corporate Directors Conference 2011 here today.

The policies put in place must be consistent otherwise it will interrupt the education process, he said.

"Our problem is that we have too many flip-flop decisions in making our education policy," he said, alluding to the back and forth changes made in the decision to teach Science and Mathematics first in Bahasa Malaysia, then in English and then back to Bahasa and now again back to English.

Paul said this during a discussion on "Challenges and Opportunities in Transitioning to a High Income Developed Nation" during the conference.

Themed "The Resurgence of Corporate Malaysia", the Corporate Directors Conference 2011 was organised by the Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors (MACD). - Bernama

[nazrey]

Malaysia, Lesotho to strengthen human capital development -- Najib
2011/05/05
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/M...Najib/Article/

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Lesotho have pledged to strengthen human capital development between both countries, with the latest effort being the Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) personnel set to train Lesotho's police force.
Besides that, the Malaysian government also will train some of Lesotho's diplomats here.

These were among the outcome of talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Lesotho counterpart Pakalitha Mosisili, here, today.
"We've had a very fruitful and interesting bilateral discussion. We have explored new bilateral cooperation and the prime minister (Mosisili) is very keen that Malaysia continue to support Lesotho, especially in human capital development and training.

"Since we launched the MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme), we have received 94 officers from Lesotho for various types of training and this training programme under the auspices of MTCP will continue," said Najib at the joint media conference with Mosisili.

This is Mosisili's first official visit to Malaysia despite having been here to attend the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) in 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2007.

On police training, Najib said Mosisili had made a specific request that PDRM train the police officers in Lesotho, especially in the area of public order and security, including upgrading their capacity.

"I'm delighted to inform that the Malaysian government stand ready to support this request by sending a few of our trainers and this training programme will begin soon," he said.

Najib said Malaysia also accepted Lesotho's request that its diplomats undergo training at the Institute of Diplomacy And Foreign Relations (IDFR) here.

"The training programme will begin in October this year and Lesotho is welcome to send some of its diplomats here for the programme," he added.

Meanwhile, Mosisili expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Malaysian government for Lesotho's human resource development.

"Human resource development is a key to the development of any country.

"This is because the other resources cannot be utilised if the people are not properly skilled to provide the benefits to other ordinary people," he said. -- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

FSTEP: Malaysia needs qualified human capital
Posted on May 23, 2011, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=132108

KUALA LUMPUR: It is crucial for the financial services sector to constantly improve the quality of its workforce and ensure an adequate supply of qualified human capital as Malaysia moves to become a high-income nation by 2020.

Financial Sector Talent Enrichment Programme (FSTEP) head, Lee Khee Joo, said human capital was an essential enabler for the financial services sector as the industry required highly-qualified people to continue innovating and raising standards.

“As Malaysia moves to become a high-income economy, the increasing affluence of its population will fuel demand for new and higher value financial activities.

“There are ample opportunities for Malaysia in the financial services sector, but at the same time it also needs to overcome some key challenges, including the acute shortage of industry talents,” he told Bernama in an interview.

Lee said the establishment of FSTEP in 2007 was a step in the right direction to help nurture talents for the industry.

FSTEP, a brainchild of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, was an industry-driven programme managed by Institut Bank-Bank Malaysia in collaboration with BNM.

FSTEP trained and prepared high calibre graduates for employment in the finance sector under its one-year programme.

He said Malaysia did not lack talent; what it lacked was experience.

“Therefore, it is vital for FSTEP to cultivate talent in the face of competition among financial institutions to get the best staff with the liberalisation of the banking sector and the entry of foreign banks into the country,” he said.

Lee said the industry would face challenges in overcoming the talent shortage, specifically in the Islamic finance sector, as Malaysia became an international syariah-compliant finance hub.

Furthermore, he said, Malaysian financial institutions would also benefit from growing business relationships between Malaysia and China as well as India.

“As the Chinese and Indian businesses and customers prosper, demand for onshore and offshore financial services will provide additional expansion opportunities for financial institutions,” he said.

He said the Malaysian financial landscape was sound, competitive and diversified.

“To support its dynamic growth, the financial industry players are constantly recruiting and training new employees,” he said.

Lee said FSTEP’s noble objective was to enrich the talents of graduates to excel in their pursuit of a career in the financial services industry.

“In other words, we give the participants the right opportunities to unleash their potentials,” he said.

He said in its efforts to provide well-trained professionals beyond classroom scenario, FSTEP’s training involved enhancing the proficiency in English language, personal development programme in inculcating good ethics and values, Outward Bound activities as well as engaging in community and corporate social responsibility projects.

According to Lee, FSTEP had so far trained 782 Malaysian graduates of local and foreign universities, of which 60 per cent of them had since joined the financial services industry.

“Over the years, we have continuously fine-tuned our training programme to enhance its quality,” he said. Currently, FSTEP is conducting the Batch 6 training programme with 110 participants who are fully sponsored by the various financial institutions.

Lee said due to rising awareness and overwhelming response, FSTEP planned to enrol 120 participants for Batch 7, which would commence on Sept 20, 2011. — Bernama

[nazrey]

Body to train members professionally to build quality human capital
Posted on May 26, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=132803

KUCHING: Saberkas is going to embark on a professional approach in giving training to its members as an effort to help build quality human capital.

Its president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said that they had written to the government and the latter had agreed in principle that the Agriculture Department Training Centre in Paloh, Samarahan near here, would be managed by Saberkas to train its members.

“We will work together with the Department of Agriculture whereby we will manage the training centre.

“Saberkas will also work with Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) where we will introduce the latest technology in agriculture techniques, including what they called bioreactor technology together with Mosti,” he said.

Abang Johari, who is Housing and Urban Development Minister and Minister of Tourism and Heritage, told the media this at a news conference after chairing the Saberkas executive committee members first meeting of the year here yesterday.

He said through the professional approach, they would be getting Saberkas members with minimum diploma qualifications to be trained in that centre.

He said that the training module this time would be different from the present normal training programme as it would not only be of higher technology but would also include discipline for nation building.

“Once we get the premise, we will build certain components for training purposes, including a place for foot drill. At the centre, we will also set up incubator for the trainees to familiarise themselves with technology and upon graduation they will go back to their own area and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired.

“At the moment, we have one similar training centre in Kabuloh Miri except that it does not have high technology but in this case we will get the scientists from Mosti to come over here and we will train them,” said Abang Johari.

He further stated that the duration for the training would be six to 10 months and open to members with diploma qualifications.

“We welcome anyone interested for as long as they are diploma holders but first of all they must be Saberkas members,” he noted.

[nazrey]

Curtin Sarawak, IEM Malaysia strengthen ties
by Anthony Joseph Posted on May 26, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=132829

MIRI: Working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders will help fulfill the government’s grand vision for Miri and Sarawak, as well as help the nation’s efforts in capacity building, knowledge acquisition and skills development.

Curtin University Sarawak and Institution of Engineers Malaysia yesterday renewed their cooperation in human capital development, knowledge acquisition and skills development by extending the memorandum of understanding (MoU) they signed in 2006.

The areas of cooperation included education and training, research, exchange of facilities and staff development.

The signing was witnessed by Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is also the chairman of Curtin Sarawak Management Board.

Signing for Curtin Sarawak was its pro vice-chancellor Prof Ian Kerr while IEM was represented by its vice president PE Chong.

Lee, in his remark, said it was crucial for Curtin Sarawak to collaborate closely with professional bodies such as IEM to keep abreast of the latest development in the profession and industries.

“It will also help promote the engineering profession, create career opportunities for young people and jointly ensure the advancement of our city, state and nation. It will also create goodwill within the community,” said Lee.

To date Curtin and IEM had jointly organised conferences, seminars and talks. IEM is also the sponsor of the annual IEM Gold Medal Award for top achiever in engineering. In addition to that, several IEM members sit in Curtin’s School of Engineering and Science’s Advisory Panel while several of Curtin Sarawak’s engineering personnel hold positions in IEM Miri branch.

Lee said he hoped IEM would continue to support the university in its endeavour to produce world-class graduates who could find jobs even before they graduated.

Also present to witness the signing ceremony were Curtin’s deputy pro-vice chancellor Prof Alistair Inglish, Dean of the School of Engineering and Science Prof Yudi Samyudia and IEM Miri branch chairman Peter Ting Kang Ngii.

[nazrey]

Strive to develop human capital, teachers told
Posted on June 18, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/06...teachers-told/

MIRI: Teachers, especially the younger and less experienced ones, must strive in all areas of interests concerning human capital development and continue honing and polishing their teaching skills which would be their keys to success.

The call came from Rita Ting, the daughter of Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing, during her speech at the 2011 Teachers’ Day celebration at SMK Chung Hua Miri here yesterday.

Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing is the president of the school board.

“Persevere to be better at what you do. Learn from the older and more experienced teachers, then apply and practise to taste the sweet joy of accomplishment in the fine quality and character of the students you produce,” she urged.

The Teachers’ Day this year carried the theme ‘Guru Penjana Transformasi Pendidikan Negara’.

Rita said the theme served as a reminder to the teachers of their responsibility to teach and nurture all the leaders, healers, teachers and builders of tomorrows.

She thanked the teachers for their zealous effort and dedication all this while in making SMK Chung Hua Miri all that it stood for today. Rita was happy that the students continued to reap the fruits of their intense training.

Be it sports, music or language, this was made possible because of the commitment of all the teachers, Rita acknowledged.

Principal Wong King Kui was among those present at the ceremony.

[nazrey]

Rosmah: All taska to be upgraded as Permata Centres
Posted on July 1, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07...rmata-centres/

TUARAN: All government-run preschools (Taska) will be upgraded as Permata Centres to strengthen early education in the state.

National Permata Programme Patron Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said initiatives had already been undertaken to ensure the success of the government’s vision including physical adjustments.

“These centres will adopt the Permata curriculum while teaching staff would be trained for six weeks to improve their skills,” she said during a function, ‘Apa Khabar Anak Permata’ at the Tuaran Anak Permata Centre near here yesterday.

Also present was State Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun.

The Tuaran Anak Permata Centre which was set up in 2007 presently has 21 pupils.

Rosmah disclosed that two more centres with a capacity of 40 children each would be built in the state this year, in Beaufort and Kota Belud. These would start operations in August.

She said the Permata Programme had been expanded to 600 preschools throughout the country involving about 20,000 children.

“To date, 32 Kemas preschools and three Perpaduan preschools in Sabah have adopted the programme benefiting about 1,500 children,” she said.

Rosmah also urged parents to give attention to their children’s early education as brain development was critical in the first four years of the latter’s life. — Bernama

[nazrey]

‘Continue to improve knowledge and skills’
by Yunus Yussop, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 9, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07...ills%e2%80%99/

BINTULU: Kindergarten teachers must constantly upgrade themselves by enhancing their knowledge and skills in order to be a quality educator.

State director of National Unity and Integration Department Dirwana Azool urged kindergarten teachers to continue improving their skills and be bold enough to explore more methods in teaching in order to be creative.

He reminded them their roles as an educator who must also keep up with the global changes and not easily satisfied with their current achievement.

“You should be proud of your profession as a kindergarten teacher. But somehow there are some teachers who may feel ashamed of being a kindergarten teacher. It shouldn’t be that way.

“Nowadays, those holding degrees and masters also chose kindergarten teacher as their profession, especially in private kindergarten,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of ‘Program integrasi pendidikan tabika perpaduan (Pintar) Selangor to Sarawak’ at Li Hua Hotel here yesterday.

The three-day programme was participated by a total of 98 kindergarten teachers from Selangor and Sarawak.

In realising the importance of roles played by kindergarten teachers, he said various integrated programmes and activities were introduced and implemented, including Pintar.

Pintar programme was first introduced in 2009 in Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.

He noted the advantages that could be obtained through the programme like exchange of knowledge.

“There are differences of culture in Selangor and Sarawak. Make full use of this three days programme to know each other and foster rapport as we are one family within the department,” Dirwana urged.

He believed through knowledge exchange, the participants would be able to learn new things and latest approaches in ensuring creativity in teaching to entice and engage pupils.

Also present at the function were National Unity and Integration Department state deputy director Delin Liet Blaun and organising chairman Fikri Emir Zulkefli.

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More options for A levels Science students
Posted on July 9, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07...ence-students/

KUCHING: Students planning to pursue their A levels in the Science stream will now be able to gain an additional qualification — the government recognised Foundation in Science.

This will significantly open up more career avenues for graduates to explore as SEGi’s Foundation in Science is linked to its Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Engineering programmes.

The Foundation in Science is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

“SEGi is offering the A level programme in Science with the dual qualification option to enhance the career pathways and open up a world of opportunities for our students to a variety of occupations,” said SEGi College Sarawak principal Stella Lau in a press release.

The college has several laboratories, which can accommodate up to 25 students per class.

The SEGi Group has over two decades of experience in conducting the A level programme offering both Science and Humanities subjects and has produced countless successful graduates, many of whom have continued into degree programmes with SEGi or universities worldwide.

Lau pointed out that SEGi offers a myriad of courses and students had the option of completing their degrees locally or with internationally renowned universities in Australia, the UK and USA.

“We are offering A level and Foundation in Science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

“SEGi College Sarawak has always been known for its A level programme, linking SPM school leavers to the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree programme from the University of London, UK.”

[nazrey]

Originally Posted by nazrey

Malaysia targets 50 pct highly skilled workers by 2020
Posted on July 7, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07...rkers-by-2020/

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia targets to create 50 per cent workers who are highly skilled by 2020, says Human Resource Deputy Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan.

She said currently, the country only had 28 per cent highly skilled workers from its total 11.8 million workers.

“As such, the government seeks to empower and to mainstream the range of skills in this country in order to achieve the target of 50 per cent highly skilled workers by 2020,” she said after opening the National Supervision Convention 2011, here, yesterday.

She said to achieve the target, the Public Service Department (PSD) had recognised certain skills and approved and created a scheme of service for 13 positions which had been submitted by the Human Resource Ministry.

The 13 are draughtsman, make-up artist, motor vehicle inspector, photographer, musician, handicraft-making instructor, assistant training officer, computer technician, fisheries assistant, land scheme supervisor, vocational training assistant officer, audiovisual expert and boutique supervisor.

Maznah said graduates of skills training centres could work in the public sector with the recognition given to the list of selected skills.

“With this scheme of service available, those skilled workers who have been working in the private sector or are self-employed can now work in the public sector,” he said.

Maznah said Singapore currently had 50 per cent highly skilled workers, Taiwan and Hong Kong with 40 per cent and Japan, 70 to 80 per cent.

Earlier, in her speech, she said supervisors played an important role in an organisation in developing human resources, and they were also an important link between management and the staff.

A total 255 supervisory personnel attended the two-day convention which started yesterday.

The convention, themed ‘Transformation Towards High Performance’, is aimed at empowering supervisory personnel as agents of transformation at the operational level to produce work of high quality. — Bernama

Govt allocates RM1.7bil a year to impart skills training
Wednesday July 13, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...292&sec=nation

PUTRAJAYA: The Government allocates RM1.7bil to provide skills training for youths in various fields each year, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said the allocation was channelled through various skills training institutes to prepare youths to meet the future demand for skilled workers.

Speaking to reporters after presenting prizes at the MySkills Malaysia competition yesterday, he said this was part of the Government’s initiative to produce more highly skilled workers.

He said the competition aimed to recognise youths as well as trainers with the capability to train and make a name for Malaysia in international skills competition, adding that 15 sectors took part this year.

Dr Subramaniam said this year’s winners would be given the opportunity to represent the country in the Asean Skills Competition in Jakarta and be considered for the World Skills Competition in Leipzig, Germany, next year.

Muhammad Hazik Zulkarnain Md Lukman and Giam Kee Chun, of the Kuala Langat Skills Training Institute, earned the ministry’s Prime Minis*ter’s Gold Hand Award for their performance in the mechatronics sector.

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Pak Lah conferred Honorary Doctorate in Human Capital Devt
Posted on July 17, 2011, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07...-capital-devt/

CYBERJAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was yesterday conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Human Capital Development by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

The honorary doctorate, presented by the university’s founder and president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, was in recognition of his strong endeavor for human capital development during his tenure as the fifth prime minister of Malaysia. In his acceptance speech, Abdullah spoke of the importance of building quality human capital, describing it as the best solution in building Malaysia.

“Unskilled and uneducated means a great loss, missing the opportunity to compete and to be successful,” he said.

Abdullah noted that about half of the world population was now less than 25 years of age, making human capital development “a very important focus for the world.”

Abdullah said: “It is simple truth. We need to grow our people before we can grow our economy.

“If people don’t grow and stay trapped within the circle of poverty and ignorance, then the conflicts and social ills that we see in so many countries will continue.”

Abdullah noted that the second thrust of the national mission, introduced during his tenure, was to raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation and nurture a ‘first class mentality’. — Bernama

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School Alumnis Urged To Help Produce High Quality Human Capital
July 13, 2011 00:25 AM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state...=600909&cat=st

MUAR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today urged school alumnis to help produce citizens who were not only good academically but also imbued with high moral character.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said this was in line with the implementation of transformation of education in the country to make Malaysia a high income country by 2020.

"To face future challenges, we not only need people who are experts in various fields but also of noble character," he said at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Sri Amar Diraja Muar's golden jubilee dinner at the school's Sri Amar Square here Tuesday night.

Among the former students of the school who attended the event were former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik and Johor state secretary Obet Tawil.

At the function, the deputy prime minister also approved an allocation for RM500,000 to build a new hall and teachers' room for the school.

The alumni also made a RM150,000 contribution to the school.

-- BERNAMA

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Malaysia face talent shortage in ICT-based industries
2011/07/19 By Roy See Wei Zhi
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/M...tries/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: The country is facing a shortage of talents versed in Information and Communications technology industries, Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said.

He said a healthy pool of human capital in all industries is needed to ensure the country develops holistically.

“There are many job opportunities in every sector but if everyone wanted to be a doctor then we would have a shortage of skilled workers in other areas.”

“It is important for students to be realistic and aim for a career path which is suited to their capabilities,” he said at a press conference after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) and IBM (International Business Machines) Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The MOU is for IBM to set up a centre of excellence (COE) at the college’s main campus here, aimed at enhancing the information technology (IT) curriculum at TARC to graduates and postgraduates.

Under the collaboration, TARC will provide teaching facilities while IBM will lend their leading software, courseware, training and testing tools for varsities, and the participants will be given a professional IBM certification.

TARC principal Dr Tan Chik Heok said the academia-industry collaboration was in sync with the college’s strategy to innovate and be responsive to market needs.

“Our collaboration with IBM will enable TARC to produce quality ICT graduates, who will contribute to the nation’s development in this sector,” he said.

He said there had been a significant dip in students enrolling into ICT courses over the past several years.

IBM Malaysia managing director Ramanathan Sathiamutty said the collaboration was an example of the company’s ongoing effort to bring innovation and progress to the nation.

“The country’s shortage of ICT talents becomes apparent when IBM struggles at times to recruit new staff.”

“ICT is an important sector as most businesses nowadays use technologies which require ICT experts to manage and service,” he added.

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Petronas inks MoU to train and develop local talent
Published: 2011/08/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

Petronas today signed separate memoranda of understanding (MoU) with four major oil and gas players, to collaborate in enhancing the competency of the industry's local workforce through a variety of capability development programmes and education activities.

Under the terms of the MoU signed with Baker Hughes, Kencana Petroleum, SapuraCrest Petroleum and Technip Geoproduction, Petronas will work with the companies to train and develop local talent to cater for both domestic and regional industry needs.

The MoU will provide both the industry and the learning institutions a platform to identify, strategise and undertake programmes and activities to develop the industry’s future skilled workforce requirements.

Petronas Vice President of Human Resource Management, Juniwati Rahmat Hussin said the scope of the collaboration would include joint research and
development, staff attachment opportunities, information sharing session, chair sponsorship, student internship and sponsorship, adjunct lecturer programmes, supervision of post-graduate students and technical trainees, and establishment of a learning facility.

"These companies have already started collaborating with us and have been training our students. This MoU is to formalise it, making sure that it is in
line with the needs of the industry.

"With the collaboration, we also know the requirement in term of numbers, so, we will not have too many graduates in certain fields. We are in the same industry and require the same talent.

"We don’t want to be taking each other’s staff. So, the best way is to work together," she added.

The programmes and activities will be conducted at Petronas’ learning institutions, including the Petronas Management Training Centre, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas and Akademi Laut Malaysia.

This is in line with the objective of turning the institutions into regional education and learning centres for the oil and gas industry by 2020.

Managing Director of Technip Geoproduction (M) Sdn Bhd, Edgar Pushparatnam said training is needed for new areas and technologies.

"We are now looking at the third deep water field. We had the first deep water field only about five years ago.

"The technology for this field has to grow through expertise and competencies. So, we are training people in Malaysia to gain the competencies for deep water exploration," he added. -- Bernama