Fadhlina welcomes new deputy minister Wong Kah Woh

SHAH ALAM: Fadhlina Sidek welcomes the appointment of former Public Accounts Committee chairman Wong Kah Woh, as her new deputy minister.

“We would like to express our gratitude to former deputy education minister Lim Hui Ying for her dedicated service, especially in strengthening the country’s education system and providing the best devotional service to Malaysia.

“We welcome the arrival of Wong for the next challenge in 2024 and beyond,” the Education Minister told reporters after witnessing the memorandum of understanding signing between the ministry and Selangor Technical Skills Development Center (STDC) on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Fadhlina also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for allowing her to continue her journey as the Education Minister.

“I believe placing a significant level of trust for the upcoming year is a heavy responsibility and we have shown our commitment to ensure that our education agenda continues to be raised.

“Last week, we began shaping the 2027 curriculum framework. Additionally, a round table discussion took place yesterday, focusing on enhancing the quality of national education.

“Today, our efforts persist with programmes aimed at reinforcing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” she said.

The MoU was inked as a bilateral cooperation between STDC and the Vocational Education and Technical Training Division (BPLTV) which is under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry, marking the initiation of a development programme, aimed at providing high-level TVET modules focusing on the latest technology, specifically in the realm of industrial automation and digitisation.

The joint venture will involve, among others, integrating elements of professional certification, provided by STDC, into the existing curriculum of vocational colleges across Malaysia; experienced industry professionals serving as technical advisors in the development of modules as well as providing up-to-date skills training; and focus on advancing education and creating new TVET programmes that align with the current and future needs of the industry.

The collaboration also explores an educational programme focused on skills training in the latest technology. It goes beyond fulfilling the needs of the Industrial Revolution by actively designing new initiatives aimed at nurturing the talents of the younger generation.

“To produce graduates who are highly skilled, competent and future-proof, it is imperative not to rely solely on modules outlined in the TVET curriculum. A more comprehensive approach involves supplementing theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience and training.

“This aspiration necessitates a strategic partnership between the Education Ministry and the industry,” she said during her speech.

Also present at the event were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and STDC president Tuan Nazri Noh.