Human Capital Development In Malaysia

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Najib to teachers: Prepare children to think creatively
By JOSEPH SIPALAN Published: Thursday July 12, 2012 MYT 4:58:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=202

PUTRAJAYA: Teachers need to find ways to build students' "intellectual capital" to prepare them for the future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said rapid progress in technology has created numerous jobs that did not exist 20 years ago, and the trend would only become more prevalent in years to come.

"The question is how do we prepare them to take on jobs that don't exist yet? The answer is we can't, because we don't know what will come in the future," he said.

He said what could be done was to prepare them with the ability to not only think but think creatively.

"This will give them the flexibility to adapt to whatever situation the may face in the future," he said at a gathering of excellent teachers at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.

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RM100mil fund for iM4U
By MARTIN CARVALHO and RAZAK AHMAD Monday July 16, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=202



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arriving at the 1Malaysia for Youth
(iM4U) event at KLCC, which saw a huge turnout. Najib announced a special
RM100mil fund for the iM4U programme. - RAJA FAISAL HISHAN / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: A special RM100mil fund will be set up to spearhead the iMalaysia For Youth (iM4U) Programme to instill the spirit of volunteerism among Malaysian youth, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the initiative underlined the Government's commitment to ensure that programmes under the iM4U are provided with “seed money” to enable youths to implement volunteer programmes for the betterment of the country.

Najib would personally head a iM4U board of trustees to oversee the smooth running of the youth volunteer programmes.

“With this programme, we will start, not a wave of riots and street demonstrations but a wave that will spread throughout the country for a better Malaysia through the spirit of volunteerism among our youths,” he said at the programme's launch at the KLCC Esplanade here yesterday.

On the iM4U slogan, Najib said: “I am for you. The government of today is the government for the youths, and we will do all that we can to ensure that your future will be filled with hope.”

More than 50,000 youths from 15 ministries, agencies and non-governmental organisations attended the event.

They took part in 16 volunteer programmes in several venues in the Klang Valley and Selangor. Youths can sign up for the iM4U programmes at http://www.1m4youth.com.my.

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Najib-led government ready to invest big on first class human capital
Posted on July 16, 2012, Monday
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/najib-l...ital-1.107802#

KOTA KINABALU: The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is ready to set aside major allocation for the development of first class human capital in the country, says State Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan.

He said the government was also ready to offer various forms of loans and assistance to help the youth in the field of entrepreneurship.

When the young people take up the opportunities available to them, they also help to drive the state’s business sector, he told reporters after officiating a conference here on young leaders’ role in the new economy transformation.

Also present were the Director of Youth and Sports Department (Federal) Sabah Mohd Dahali Matsin and the President of Sabah Youth Council (MBS) Kevin Lim.

Tawfiq said the young generation must equip themselves with skills in all aspects in order to compete in the business world which has become increasingly challenging.

“For those wanting to enter the world of business, it will be better for them to start on a small scale first before expanding the scope of their business to a larger scale,” he said.

The three-day conference is being participated by 152 participants from various parts of Sabah, 16 from the Labuan and 10 from Sarawak.

Participants include youth leaders, young entrepreneurs and representatives from the public and private sector Institutions of Higher Learning. — Bernama

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Talent Corp to work with more companies to attract premium talent
Last updated on 19 July 2012 - 06:12pm
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/440360

GEORGE TOWN (July 19, 2012): Talent Corp Malaysia Bhd will work with more firms in order to attract and retain high-quality talent in the country.

Its chief executive officer, Johan Mahmood Merican, said for Malaysia to emerge as a global talent destination by 2020, it was critical to ensure that the public and private sectors work together to address the talent requirements of the country.

"We have worked with some of the companies who are present today ... we have programmes like outreach abroad and upskilling young graduates.

"We hope to do more, undertake more activities and work with more firms," he told Bernama at JobStreet.com's Human Resource Networking Event 2012 here today.

Also present was JobStreet.com's country manager, Chook Yuh Yng.

Johan said JobStreet.com's event would enable Talent Corp to engage with companies and recruiters to understand some of the talent management issues. He said it was good that the event was held here because Penang is a major destination for top talent and it also has strong sectors --electronics, information and communication technology and healthcare.

Johan said Talent Corp was now working closely with JobStreet.com in undertaking more programmes for university students, graduates and women.

"We are working closely with Jobstreet on two major initiatives. The first is the internship programme to encourage young graduates to get good internship. This collaboration includes the Higher Education Ministry," he said.

Johan said another initiative with Jobstreet.com and also in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, was to launch a portal which aims to woo women to go back to work, to be launched in September.

Meanwhile, Chook said over 20,000 jobs were available on JobStreet.com's job site daily and in Penang alone there were over 2,500 jobs available daily.

She said in the tight talent market, employers faced challenges in hiring and retaining the right talent in their organisation, hence new ideas for talent management were important.

"In the northern region, the top industries facing the talent crunch include production manufacturing, electric and electronics manufacturing, wholesale and retail, construction, property and hospitality," he said. – Bernama

TalentCorp Malaysia
www.talentcorp.com.my/

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TalentCorp goes abroad to woo Malaysians
Published: 2012/07/30
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...dusss/Article/



PETALING JAYA: Talent retention and shortage of local experts remain a challenge in meeting the needs of 12 key areas under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), says Talent Corp Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican.

To overcome the problem, Johan said, TalentCorp and employers from various sectors in the country would continue to work together to attract as many as possible local experts abroad to return and work in Malaysia.

He said TalentCorp, through its Outreach and Engagement programmes, will travel to more than 10 countries to meet with Malaysian experts.

"TalentCorp, with employers in various sectors, will be going to several countries like Australia, Qatar and Bahrin to meet with Malaysian talent there."

Johan said the Outreach and Engagement programmes will be implemented on a regular basis so that they are confident with employment opportunities in Malaysia.

"We will talk with them about job offers and provide further interviews if they are interested," he told reporters after delivering a speech at the Human Resources Network Programme, organised by JobStreet.com.

Also present were JobStreet.com CEO Suresh Thiru and IBM human resources director Kenneth Ho.

Over 40 employers from various sectors participated in the Outreach and Engagement programme, through which the firm has successfully met more than 1,000 Malaysian experts in countries like the UK, Japan, the US and Taiwan. It has also established the Returning Expert Programme, a scheme that offers several incentives to the experts overseas like buying a car without tax, a flat 15 per cent tax for five years and permanent resident status for their children or wives who are not Malaysian citizens.

Johan said about 1,080 applications have been approved through the scheme. "Oil and gas, finance and electrical and electronic industries are the most critical sectors in the country as they are competing with the whole world for talents and experts."

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Bigger role for youth
By SEAN AUGUSTIN |
02 August 2012 | last updated at 10:37AM
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/bigge...outh-1.118558#



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak shakes hands with member of
Genovasi's Board of Visionaries Prof Datuk Jimmy Choo after the Genovasi
Dialog at Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya. -- NSTP pix by Fariz Iswadi Isma

This will take place under a new government initiative called Genovasi, said to be the first of its kind in Asean.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the initiative would develop youth to become the country’s new generation of innovation ambassadors.

He said Genovasi (a combination of the words generation and innovation) would partner with global innovation leaders to impart innovation, skills, expertise and methodologies to the ambassadors.

These ambassadors, he said, would use their creativity and skills in three areas: community-centric projects to benefit people, economic-focused projects that generate wealth, and government-enhancement projects to improve the delivery service.

Najib said the initiative would provide an avenue for the youth to integrate with the nation and offer their passion and commitment to take Malaysia to greater heights.

“Genovasi will be launched early next year as an innovation organisation, where bright young minds will have opportunities to receive induction into innovation.

“I expect it to be granted university status within five years. A board of visionaries will guide and advise Genovasi,” he said after attending a dialogue session with several leaders in innovation at the Perdana Putra building yesterday.

He said the youth would learn skills and methodologies and how to apply them to real situations to progress, obtain a better quality of life and solutions for the nation.

“We understand and appreciate that youth are no longer content with just being passive spectators.

“They want to engage in improving the country that they are going to inherit. So, the current and future generation of leaders will work hand in hand for the collective good.”

Present were Special Innovation Unit (Unik) chief executive officer Datuk Kamal Jit Singh and Malaysian Innovation Agency chief executive officer Mark Rozario.
Unik will spearhead the initiative.

Najib said innovation was an effective and proven strategy in dealing with a volatile, complex, uncertain and ambiguous environment.

"All leading countries have used innovation to achieve a quantum leap in their progress trajectories," he said, adding that innovation was key to making Vision 2020 a reality.

He said Malaysians needed to change their mindsets that failure meant the end of the road, but in countries like the United States, it was a precursor to success.

Najib said happy citizens were a national aspiration, as much as a healthy gross domestic product.

"We want people to be emotionally happy. Quite often, we forget about the happiness index."

Kamal Jit said Genovasi would be made into an entity next year and youth, especially graduates, would be invited to apply as participants. He said it would work with universities and other agencies to rope in participants.

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MySkills Foundation grateful for RM1.5 mln govt contribution
Posted on August 31, 2012, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08...-contribution/

KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resource Minister, Datuk Seri S Subramanim described the government’s RM1.5 million contribution to MySkills Foundation as proof of its concern and care in assisting the nation’s teenage school dropouts and underprivileged students.

“The contribution, an initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, will assist MySkills to continue carrying out its programmes to help such teenagers.

“We hope it will specifically help Indian teenage dropouts who number about 9,000 a year,” he said after the handing over of the cheque, here yesterday.

He said the government always supported the efforts by non-governmental organisations in helping such teenagers from getting involved in social ills and dropping out of schools.

Meanwhile, S. Sasitaran, 21, an Electronics student at the Primus Institute of Technology said he had worked at odd jobs in a paint factory, fast food restaurant and also been a despatch rider in his home state of Perak after leaving school.

“I’m lucky to be able to continue my education after being brought to Kuala Lumpur by my Aunty, who wants a better life for me,” he said.

P Megalaavaani, 19, a Legal Secretary student who has a full scholarship from MySkills, said her teacher advised her to apply to the Institute.

“I hope to get a good job after I complete my studies and help my family,” she said.

MySkills Foundation was established in 2010 and works hand in hand with Primus Institute of Technology offering various courses in electronics, electrical maintenance and legal secretary. — Bernama

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PM: Genovasi to produce 5,000 young ambassadors to spur country’s progress
By JOSEPH SIPALAN Thursday August 2, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=202



Glad to meet you: Najib meeting Choo (right) and other local and
international partners of Genovasi at a dialogue session in Putrajaya.

PUTRAJAYA: The Government has launched an ambitious plan to develop 5,000 youths as “innovation ambassadors” under its latest initiative called Genovasi.

Genovasi - which is a combination of the Malay words generasi and inovasi - aims to progressively train the ambassadors over a five-year period so they can eventually take the lead in spurring progress, a better quality of life and solutions for the nation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who announced the new unit yesterday, said Genovasi would partner with global innovation leaders to impart innovation, skills, expertise and methodologies to the new generation of Malaysian innovation ambassadors.

“Genovasi will be launched early next year and I expect it to be granted university status within five years. A board of visionaries will guide and advise Genovasi,” he said in his speech after attending a dialogue session with several leaders in innovation at the Perdana Putra building here yesterday.

The Prime Minister said Genovasi would be set up as an innovation organisation where bright young minds would have tangible opportunities to receive induction into innovation.

He said three tracks would be offered for the participants to apply their new innovation skills.

The tracks are community-centric projects to benefit the masses; economic-focused projects that generate new waves of wealth, and government enhancement projects to help improve the delivery service.

Genovasi will be set up and managed by a new agency under the Prime Minister's Department called Unit Inovasi Khas (Unik).

As an innovation organisation, Genovasi will work with various international and local partners to develop a training and learning curriculum for young Malaysians to pick up innovation.

Among the renowned experts and organisations that have come on board to assist and guide Genovasi are shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo, the Hasso-Plattner Institute and its School of Design Thinking, Pearson, Singularity University, Stanford University, The Millennium Project and The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Unik chief executive officer Datuk Kamal Jit Singh said they would need another four to five months to work out the details on how exactly Genovasi would be run, but noted that their target would be university graduates in their 20s.

“Their involvement will not be full-time. It will be akin to an internship, and we will probably work out a stipend for them,” he said.

http://www.innovation.my/programmes/...stem/genovasi/

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Developing world class talent
Last updated on 30 August 2012 - 01:06pm
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/476036



In its mission to humanise financial services across Asia, Maybank’s Senior Executive Vice-President Head, Group Human Capital Nora Abdul Manaf recognised the need to create a talent pool of world-class future business leaders and competent financial experts for the region. Developing these fresh talents embodied the bank’s value proposition for their stakeholders wherever they had a foot print. A steering committee consisting of three key senior officials including Nora, spearhead this programme.

Drawing inspiration from some of the popular reality and game shows on television, Nora’s capable team drew-up plans for a business challenge like no other.

The start-up
Selected participants went through various stages of the competition being tested on various aspects until the national levels. 30 of the top performers from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong who made the cut were flown to KL for the final showdown. At this stage, individuals were now grouped in sets of five – each from different nationalities. Nora underlined here, the agenda in creating an Asean like grouping where contestants would have to work as a team despite their diverse nationalities, backgrounds, strengths and personalities.

Overall the participants were put through the rigours of starting up a business from scratch. At the end of this exercise, each team had to sell the stock (erasable pens) while proceeds from the sales would be given to a welfare home.

Catch some of the best highlights of the whole Go Ahead challenge at: http://www.goaheadchallenge.com/

Rather than select top graduates based purely on academic results, as Nora pointed out, seeing employees in action is the only way to know if they can perform in the real work environment. “We strove to take them away from the controlled environment that they were used to in the classroom experience, in order to compel participants to be resourceful and creative in finding solutions,” Nora disclosed further.

MORE...

http://www.goaheadchallenge.com/

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US to send English teaching specialist to S’wak
by Lian Cheng, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on September 6, 2012, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09...alist-to-swak/



MARKING HISTORY: Richard Harvey, 63, (centre) who served in Sarikei,
Sarawak as a Peace Corps volunteer between 1965 to 1966 pinning his story
up on a board specially made for other members of the public with Peace
Corps connections while Tourism Assistant Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip (left)
and Jones look on.

KUCHING: In keeping with the voluntary spirit of the Peace Corps, the US government will be sending an English teaching specialist to Sarawak next week to work with local secondary school teachers and students on enhancing their English teaching proficiency.

“He is going to work with scores of Sarawakian Malaysian secondary school teachers and students, as part of the effort to broaden and grow our English language connections,” said US Ambassador to Malaysia Paul W Jones at the launch of the photo exhibition entitled ‘An Enduring Bond: Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration in Malaysia’ .

In response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s request to the US government on building closer educational ties, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor became the first beneficiaries of the Fullbright English Teaching Assistant programme.

This programme slated to be expanded next year has already seen 50 young American college graduates volunteering.

Yesterday’s launch of the photo exhibition is almost 50 years to the day the first Peace Corps volunteers group arrived in Kuching on Aug 23, 1962.



TRANSCENDING LANGUAGES: Jones was impressed with the publication and
translation of his editorial in all three See Hua Group publications, particularly
the Iban version in Utusan Borneo’s Berita Iban section shown by The Borneo
Post features editor Margaret Apau.

The exhibition features the background history of the Peace Corps as well as personal stories published over the last few months in The Borneo Post as part of the US Embassy’s run-up activities to the launching.

The stories contributed by former Peace Corps volunteers and those who had personal connections captured the nostalgia of friendships that transcended borders and time.

The Peace Corps programme concluded in Malaysia in 1983.

The photo exhibition at the State Library here marks the first stop on its East Malaysian leg and will be open to the public for the next three weeks.

Jones said the first group of Peace Corps arrived in Sarawak in August 23, 1962 and over the 21 years, thousands more joined, making Peace Corps Malaysia the largest Peace Corps Programme in the world with almost 600 volunteers here during 1968.

“Most volunteers taught in schools, in Bahasa Malaysia and in English, helping address the urgent needs for teachers after Malaysia, opened secondary schooling to all in 1964.

“And others worked in healthcare, agriculture, all varieties of fields. Some made major contributions, for example, to university medical training programmes, or the documentation of flora and fauna of Malaysia, to name a few.

“Volunteers served in all Malaysian states, often in rural areas, far from towns and cities … sometimes only reachable by boat. Many studied Bahasa Malaysia for months before arriving and spoke the language in their daily lives.

“American Peace Corps are proud to play a small part in the great story of Malaysia development in the decades after independence,” said Jones.

Jones, however, pointed out that beyond their concrete contribution to education, health and development, perhaps the most significant legacy of the Peace Corps was the personal and human ties the volunteers formed.

He said the connection made was so strong that many volunteers actually stayed on after the conclusion of their programme, finding their lives permanently intertwined with their adopted Malaysian communities.

“Over my two years here in Malaysia, I was struck by how alive the connections are between Peace Corps volunteers and Malaysian hosts,” said Jones.

He thanked The Borneo Post management and editorial team for its participation and contribution in promoting the event and sharing the inspiring stories of Peace Corps volunteers and those with connections to them.

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Education system overhaul to produce students with 'HOT' skills
Posted on 9 September 2012 - 07:03pm
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/484052

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 9, 2012): Come Tuesday, parents of school-going children, especially those in lower primary school, will be unusually excited over what the preliminary Education Blueprint will offer, especially in terms of producing students who can compete with the best internationally and equipping them with "HOT" (Higher Order Thinking) skills.

Among other attributes, the transformation of the country's education system is also to produce knowledgeable students with strong leadership qualities and better bilingual proficiency.

"HOT" skills refer to more than just an ability to read, write and count. In today's competitive world, students also need to do more than just memorise or retell the facts.

"HOT" skills take thinking to a higher level among students rather than just restating the facts. They should be able to understand the facts, connect them to each other and apply them as solutions to problems in their work environment in the future.

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Improving quality in all areas of education
09 September 2012 | last updated at 01:18AM
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general...e%3D0%2F7.1855

BIG LEAP: The much-awaited blueprint of the National Education Development masterplan will be unveiled by the prime minister on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin provides a glimpse of what the blueprint will contain to Chok Suat Ling, Chandra Devi Renganayar and P. Selvarani

Question: Tan Sri, what is the difference between this review and previous education reports? Answer: In the past, reports to improve the education system were more like statements of intent. They were broad, but this report is more specific. For example, what needs to be done, the timeline, scope and what to implement. This is more of an action plan actually.

Every year, we will release reports to the public on (the) steps taken and what have been implemented and achieved.

Sceptics will ask this question: Can it be done? Even I ask this question. Can we do it? The important thing is to have the political will. Our prime minister had said this must be done and he had promised he would give his support and to ensure personally whatever it takes, be it human resource or allocation to implement the National Education Development masterplan.

This review is important (if we want) to increase the quality of our education so that we can be among the best, be competitive and not be left out in the global race.

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Shafie hopes coming budget will focus on rural infrastructure and human devt
Posted on September 12, 2012, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09...nd-human-devt/

SEMENYIH: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal hopes that the 2013 Budget, to be tabled on Sept 28, will focus not only on rural infrastructure development, but also human development.

As such, he said, more allocation would be needed to ensure rural infrastructure, like roads, bridges and other facilities could be provided for the rural community.

“Apart from that, we also hope this budget will also provide allocation to enhance human development in education, like through Mara and Risda colleges, as well as Kemas,” he told reporters after an Aidilfitri gathering at the Baranang Mara High Skill College here yesterday.

Also present were Mara chairman Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Mara director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad and Semenyih Assemblyman Datuk Johan Abd Aziz.

On the Preliminary Report of the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday, Shafie said the education transformation was a comprehensive approach in efforts to ensure the country’s capability to compete at international level. — Bernama

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Centre to generate 10,000 skilled workers for next four years
Posted on September 12, 2012, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09...xt-four-years/

CYBERJAYA: MSC Malaysia Knowledge Workers Development Centre (KDC), a centralised fully functional and well-equipped training facility by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), is expected to generate about 10,000 skilled workers in the next four years.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili said the centre which has 15 training facilities could generate a minimum of 3,000 talented workers a year if optimally utilised.

“It is almost like a finishing school and it can also be a preparatory school for the undergraduates, but the crucial point is it will produce skilled workers as required by the industry.

“This is a major step forward by MDeC and the government, and we believe it will further propel the growth of the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector in the country,” he told reporters after officiating the centre, here yesterday. — Bernama

Earlier in his speech, Ongkili said KDC had secured a total investment of RM27.34 million from leading industry technology partners, including Huawei, IBM Global Development Centre, Agilent Technologies, Altera, KRU, Dream Catcher and iTrain.

He said more industry partners have indicated interest in pursuing similar talent development initiatives with MDeC, which is a positive sign on the part of the industry to nurture and grow local talent.

“I am confident this facility will be a key player for talent enhancement and help equip Malaysia with much sought after ICT skills that can meet the demands of high income jobs for the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, MDeC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said the KDC would serve as a shared training centre for the MSC Malaysia community and a regional professional training and testing hub, while the trainings offered are both for those who are already working as well as undergraduates.

“This is considered a close training environment. Our partners will do the training for their own consumption or for their customer, and they will also work with the university and organise and open-day so that those with minimum skills and interested could be trained, with some conditions attached, depending on the trainer.

“MDec does not do any training. We facilitate. The trainers come from the industry partners because they know what type of training they need. They may also hire third party trainers, but they must hire professional trainers,” he said. — Bernama

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Quality education a pre-condition to produce knowledgeable human capital – Muhyiddin
Posted on September 13, 2012, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09...-muhyiddinnew/

SHAH ALAM: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has stressed that quality education is a pre-condition to produce knowledgeable human capital.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said for Malaysia to become an advanced and competitive country, there should be quality and world class education in place.

“Irrespective of the specialisation by students, the human capital we generate today would inherit the country’s wellbeing and prosperity,” he said when speaking at the 20th anniversary charity dinner of Sekolah Kiblah here Wednesday night.

In an era of challenging globalisation, he said the generation of students today, especially those from religious schools need to possess strong cultural and high ethical values to fend off negative global influences to become role models to the community at large.

“Therefore, we need to devote our attention to character education besides giving emphasis to creative and innovative education to produce creative, critical and innovative students,” he said.

Muhyiddin said he hoped Sekolah Kiblah, which is one of 22 private secondary religious schools in the country, would formulate strategies to put itself on par with the high performance schools under the Education Ministry.

He also expressed his appreciation to the government of Qatar and several parties from Saudi Arabia for their efforts to develop the school, which is now operating in Dengkil, Selangor.

At the ceremony, Muhyiddin also witnessed the representative of the Emir of Qatar, Dr Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jalaly presenting a cheque for RM4.2 million to Tan Sri Hashim Meon, the chairman of the school’s management board, .

Also at the event, Dr Syeikh Sulaiman As-Saloomi, the Mufti of Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca voiced his concern on the fate of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Muhyiddin, said the Malaysian government, which is the closest Muslim country to Myanmar, was also concerned with what had happened to the Rohingyas and a humanitarian mission was underway with relief assistance.

“Even though we don’t have much resources like the Middle East we will assist our Muslim brothers as much as we can,” he said. –Bernama

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Developing human capital for the nation
20 September 2012 | last updated at 01:37AM
http://www.nst.com.my/streets/centra...ation-1.146114

PETALING JAYA: STRIVING to create a sustainable pool of Malaysians capable of elevating the level of local expertise up the industrial value chain, Gamuda Bhd has continued its commitment in granting scholarships to bright and deserving students pursuing tertiary education in established universities.

This year, through the Gamuda Scholarship Award, a total of 18 scholars received financial backing from the country's leading engineering and construction, infrastructure concessions and property developer. They would ultimately contribute to Malaysia's advancement as a developed nation.

"We searched and found ambitious students who displayed exceptional leadership abilities, achieved brilliant academic results, possessed an innate passion to excel in their chosen fields, and are always keen to challenge the status quo," said Gamuda Bhd chairman, Raja Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Raja Salim, during the scholarship presentation ceremony held recently.

"The scholars chosen will form an integral part of Gamuda's future as they take their first step towards securing a valuable education. Upon completing their studies, they will undergo on-the-job learning and continuous skills development to further enhance their professional knowledge. In time, they will join the ranks of a new generation of Malaysian engineers who will pioneer the innovation of niche engineering capabilities that would propel the country's industrial technology base on new heights."

Among the 18 scholarship recipients, one particular scholar's personal mission resonates strongly with Gamuda's vision of developing human capital for the nation.

Chern Yang Yang hopes to be able to design and develop complex electrical and electronics systems and devices when he graduates. The 20-year-old is the only scholar among the 18 scholarship recipients who will be pursuing a four-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree programme at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

"I didn't quite expect to be called back for a second-round interview as my STPM results were not as good as the rest of the candidates. I was relieved when one of the panel members said to me that 'results are not everything'. This gave me a lot of confidence to express my desire to study overseas," he said.

When Chern graduates, he will be following the path of other Gamuda scholars who have since carved successful careers in the local engineering industry. A prime example is Ng Hau Wei, a Gamuda scholar in 1998, who started as an entry-level engineer upon graduation. He then went on to break a world tunnelling record -- driving one of the two large-diameter tunnel boring machines that built the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel.

Today, he leads a team of 50 tunnellers building the twin tunnels for the Mass Rapid Transit line from Sungai Buloh to Kajang, Malaysia's largest public infrastructure project.

Besides covering full tuition fees and living expenses, the scholarship is a pathway for high-achievers to forge a bright future through focused career development and guidance from the Gamuda Learning Centre, the training arm of Gamuda Bhd, and underscores the Group's continuous efforts in nurturing the best minds to boost its current and future development needs.

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Landmark graduation in nuclear medicine
20 September 2012 | last updated at 12:00AM
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general...icine-1.145986

GEORGE TOWN: University Sains Malaysia's (USM) 46th convocation yesterday saw five pioneer graduates receiving their master's in Nuclear Medicine, the first in the Asian region.

The five -- four men and a woman, were given their certificates on the first day of the convocation.

Dr Nor Salita Ali, the sole woman in the pioneer group, said she did not think too much about being the first Asian woman to receive her master's in the field.

A clinical expert in nuclear medicine at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, the field was not new to her.

"My interest in this field stems from its completeness, as it encompasses both diagnostics and clinical."

Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) acting director Prof Dr Ibrahim Lutfi Shuaib said there was currently a need for people in nuclear medicine.

The ratio in the field of nuclear medicine was 1:300,000 people when the ideal ratio would be 1:100,000.

He said currently, USM took in six to eight students a year.

Meanwhile, two posthumous post-graduate degrees were given yesterday. Nor Hafizi Hanafi accepted a Masters in Chemical Engineering on behalf of his deceased wife Muslina Abdul Majid, who passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer last year.

Zuchra Helwani received her late husband Martunus' doctorate. Martunus, an Indonesian, passed away in April from Hepatitis B.

The seven were among 404 graduates who received their certificates on the first day of the convocation yesterday from USM Chancellor, Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail in the morning and from pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan in the afternoon.

A total of 4,753 students will graduate at this convocation which ends on Sunday.

Nor Salita is lone female nuclear medicine expert in Asia
Thursday September 20, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=202



Proud moment: Dr Nor Salita sharing her joy with her husband Nor Azhar
Abdul Mokti, 45, and daughter Nuraini Shuhada, 14, after the convocation
ceremony at Dewan Tunku Syed Putra USM in Penang.

USM Produces First Post-graduates In Nuclear Medicine
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state...=695675&cat=nt



JEWELS IN THE CROWN...The pioneering Masters Graduates in English For Professional, Nuclear Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry after receiving their scrolls from USM Chancellor HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Jamalullail at the university's 46th Convocation Ceremony todayPic: K. Ganeson

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MDeC wants greater focus on developing right talent
Published: 2012/09/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...udget/Article/



KUALA LUMPUR: The Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) hopes the 2013 Budget will focus on the development of knowledge-based talent to match industry demand and market needs.

It said tapping the right talent was important as the Digital Malaysia initiative aspires to create over 160,000 high-value jobs by the year 2020.

"Thus, it is important for the government to focus on complementary efforts to ensure that the jobs created are filled by the right talents with the right Information and communications technology (ICT) sub-specialisations that meet industrial expectations," MDeC chief operations officer Ng Wan Peng said in a statement.

Citing the McKinsey Report on the Impact of the Internet on Aspiring Countries 2011, Ng said the cost of starting an online business in Malaysia is still significantly higher than in most other developing countries.

"This could hinder our transition to a comprehensive digital economy. As such, MDeC hopes that Budget 2013 will also aim to address this gap, by looking at not only driving regulatory changes but also by providing greater financial incentives and tax exemptions for local small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to take their businesses online," she said.

This in turn will help to achieve the target of getting an additional 100,000 Malaysian SMEs to take their businesses online by 2020.

Looking beyond local SMEs, MDeC hopes that the government will help facilitate the transition of Internet users to engage in high value and high yielding activities online.

While Malaysians use the internet more than any other forms of media, the majority of their time is spent on social networks, instead of generating income through online businesses.

"We certainly hope that in line with Digital Malaysia's strategic thrust of transitioning Malaysians from consumers to producers of digital technologies, Budget 2013 will introduce incentives for netizens who have become digital producers," she said.

Incentive could be, for example, tax exemptions and financial assistance for individuals setting up personal online businesses, as well as financial allocation for training and development programmes to teach citizens how to use online platforms for financial gains.

"Such efforts with the support of Budget 2013 will certainly bring us a step closer to becoming a knowledge-based digital economy by the year 2020," Ng added.

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SDC identifies two locations as human capital development clusters
Posted on September 26, 2012, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09...ment-clusters/



Datuk Peter Pang En Yen

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) has identified two dedicated locations in the state, the Sandakan Education Hub and the Interior Education Hub, as human capital development clusters.

In disclosing this, State Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Peter Pang En Yen said it was in line with the SDC Blueprint that underlined the need to develop a pool of highly skilled, knowledgeable and talented human capital.

He said the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) had also been making a concerted effort to visit and discuss with higher learning institutions locally and overseas on academic as well as research and development collaborations, to meet the state’s human capital requirement.

Sedia is a one-stop authority and implementing agency of the SDC.

“Sedia is enticing these higher learning institutions to consider setting up campuses in Sabah, particularly in those sectors needed to support those areas needed by investors of SDC projects,” he said in his address at the opening of the public forum on human capital development in the SDC, here yesterday.

Pang said the initiative would be further intensified as Sedia embarked on the second phase of the SDC, with emphasis on accelerating sustainable growth, through first-class human capital and infrastructure.

Also the deputy chairman of Sedia, he said the second phase which coincides with the 10th Malaysia Plan was focused on accelerating economic growth by attracting greater private investment while providing specialised infrastructure with a first-world talent base.

This would require a holistic set of measures involving an active partnership with both the public and private sectors as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to raise the quality of the state’s pool of human capital.

Pang said according to the Department of Statistics, unemployment in Sabah was relatively low at 5.2 per cent and this had not increased, despite the growth in the population.

“This figure is higher that the national level at three per cent, but comparable to Australia, which is regarded as a fairly resilient economy and half of France at about 10.2 per cent.

He said the principle statistics on employment for last year showed that there were over 1.64 million people in the labour force in Sabah, increasing from almost 1.59 million in 2010 and 1.35 in 2009.

“According to the statistics, there were about 85,200 unemployed citizens in Sabah last year, a small figure in comparison to the number of foreign labour in the state, particularly in the plantation and the construction sectors.

“What is very much needed now is to locate where these unemployed citizens are, and ascertain their qualifications and skills level.

This is to enable them to be trained so that they can provide a pool of human capital geared to drive the economic transformation programme,” Pang added. — Bernama

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Promoting reading and green living
TO inculcate a lifestyle of environmentally-friendly living, and the habit of reading in children, SP Setia Foundation recently contributed RM200,000 to the State Library for the refurbishment of its children's section into a new Eco Library.
24 October 2012 | last updated at 12:10AM
http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/...iving-1.161099



(From left) State library director Ungku Noor Akmal Ungku Sulaiman, Tan Sri
Lee Lam Thye, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Datuk Maulizan Bujang and SP
Setia executive vice-president Datuk Chang Khim Wah at the launch of the Eco Library.

JOHOR BARU: The foundation's chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the library is aimed at promoting the importance of reading among children and to build a reading community in the state.

"The foundation is eager to assist the State Library to refurbish its children's section as we want it to play a big role in increasing the number of readers.
"Currently, there are only about 20 visitors to the children's section on weekdays, and 65 visitors on weekends," said Lee in his speech at the launch of the Eco Library.

Called the SP Setia Eco Library, Lee said the name was inspired by two of the property developer's projects in Johor, namely the Setia Eco Cascadia and Setia Eco Gardens.

The Eco Library, which was completed in August, has an eco-themed decor and is equipped with computers and digital video disc players.
The company also contributed encyclopedias and eco-related books in various languages for the children.

"The foundation believes that a solid education can lift underprivileged children out of poverty and ensure them a better future.

"Every year, 60 per cent of the funds from the foundation is spent on education through the Setia adoption programme.

To date, the foundation has spent RM20.2 million for the Setia adoption programme which has benefited 7,800 students since it was formed in 2000," added Lee.

The charitable projects of the foundation cover general welfare, medical assistance, education and community enrichment.

The Eco Library was declared open by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman. Also present was State Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Education and Higher Education Committee chairman Datuk Maulizan Bujang, who is also the library chairman.

The State Library, which is in Jalan Yahya Awal, is open from 9am to 5.30pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. It is closed on Mondays, every first and third Saturday of the month, and on public holidays.