The Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) held a TVET Industry Engagement Session with YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang yesterday. 

The engagement session was attended by more than 50 industry captains in Penang. During the engagement session, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow launched the Industriemeister program, a degree equivalent vocational training program jointly implemented by PSDC and Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) with the support of B Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd. In a video by Mr Marko Ackermann, Head of Team, International Affairs, IHK Kassel-Marburg, Germany, he explained that the Industriemeister is the first German Meister program introduced outside of Germany, which complies to 100% of high quality German standard. This program focuses on advanced technical and organisational aspects combined with knowledge in management according to the German Industriemeister Framework Curriculum and Training Regulations.

Representatives of the seven host companies of the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) program that were present during the event, namely B Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd, Robert Bosch (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Osram Opto Semiconductors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Inari Amertron Bhd, VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Schott Glass Malaysia and BBS Automation Penang Sdn Bhd are given appreciation by PSDC. The GDVT program is a feeder program to the Industriemeister program and is designed to upskill the existing technical workforce and school leavers with international-level skills and competencies. This program has been supported by Penang State Government with total sponsorship of RM2 million since 2015. The upcoming intake for GDVT program is in September 2022, and PSDC is currently accepting applications to the program.

Additionally, PSDC extended gratitude towards the following companies for providing financial assistance to deserving SPM school leavers to further their education at PSDC, with the total scholarship of more than RM1 million.

• B Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
• UWC Holdings Sdn Bhd
• Sophic Automation Sdn Bhd
• Inari Amertron Bhd
• Smith & Nephew Operations Sdn Bhd
• SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd
• VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
• Continental Automotive Components Malaysia Sdn. Bhd
• Amity Research & Development Sdn Bhd
• Cleantech Solar (M) Sdn Bhd

During the event, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow also unveil the Industry Pledge, which is an initiative to address the shortage of workforce by actively seeking out school leavers to join PSDC's school leavers program. A total of 22 members pledged their support in ensuring employment opportunities to PSDC graduates.

• B Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd
• Motorola Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd
• Sophic Automation Sdn Bhd
• UWC Holdings Sdn Bhd
• Osram Opto Semiconductors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
• Robert Bosch (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
• Inari Amertron Bhd
• Engtek Group
• Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd
• Intel Technology Sdn Bhd
• GSH Precision Technology Sdn Bhd
• Smith & Nephew Operations Sdn Bhd
• Continental Automotive Components Malaysia Sdn. Bhd
• BBS Automation Penang Sdn Bhd
• SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd
• Western Digital Batu Kawan
• Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
• VAT Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
• Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd
• Prodelcon Sdn Bhd
• Leong Bee & Soo Bee Sdn Bhd
• Master-Pack Group Berhad

The Industry Pledge board will be placed at PSDC lobby. All businesses are welcome and encouraged to join this initiative. For expression of interest and details, please contact PSDC.

PSDC Management Council Chairman, Christoph Mueller said that PSDC remains true to its mission by proactively supporting the Industry in the development of skilled and talented workforce in the areas of Design and Development, Manufacturing, and Services in the rapidly changing technology and business environment.

YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow also reiterates this point by emphasizing that PSDC plays an active role in developing future skilled employees.

The second part of the Industry Engagement Session sees a dialogue session between YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Dato' Seri Lee Kah Choon, Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang Mr Daniel Bernbeck, Executive Director, Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC), Ts. En Kamaruzaman bin Hj. Md. Ali, Deputy Director General (Operations), Department of Skills Development, Mr Christoph Mueller, Chairman of PSDC Management Council with Mr ET Tan, CEO of the PSDC as the moderator. The main objective of the Industry Dialogue Session is to create awareness on the importance of TVET training for SPM school leavers and working adults to ensure a consistent supply of competent workforce for current and future business needs.