Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education was among the sectors most impacted by the restrictions of the pandemic. Fast forward after enrolling in the most challenging period for education, 145 students from Montfort Boys Town finally clinched their graduation scrolls in a ceremony witnessed by Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Secretary General, Ts (Technologist) Yang Berbahagia Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, family members, and friends.
Montfort Boys Town Director, Bro Robin Devasagayam expressed his pride in the graduating students and commended them for their commitment and hard work. “Vocational training is the foundation of creating a practical and skilled workforce for various careers. It is observed that individuals with vocational training are better at problem solving and at effectively using the resources available to them. There is so much emphasis on the value of TVET in Malaysia and abroad. Our graduates are very blessed to graduate with skills that are much in demand for today’s workforce,” he said.
Recognising Montfort Boys Town as a proponent of nation building, Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Secretary General Ts (Technologist) Yang Berbahagia Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, lauded Montfort Boys Town for its contribution to equipping youths with both technical and life skills. “For Malaysia to grow economically, we need education. For our economy to prosper, we need an economy led by innovation. I would like to convey the Minister of Youth and Sports (KBS), YB Hannah Yeoh’s warm wishes of congratulations to the graduating students. Congratulations to Montfort Boys Town also for your amazing work through the soft skills (technical and life skills) you impart to students. It is nice to see stakeholders come together towards nation building. Education never stops and I hope the students make the best of their education at Montfort Boys Town.”
This year’s theme, “We’re the Legend”, was chosen by the graduating class to capture the spirit of hard work and dedication towards excellence in skills training and character formation, amid a challenging period. This unique group navigated through TVET online classes, and examinations during the various movement control orders. The students completed the required syllabuses within the required timeframe along with a three-month on-the-job training period.
The 145 graduates comprised of 115 boys and 30 girls. This year, 41 graduates were from the Automotive Training Programme, 24 graduates from Bakery and Pastry, 24 graduates from Electrical, 21 graduates from Graphic Design and Multimedia, 21 graduates from Hospitality, and 14 graduates from the Facilities Management Training Programme.
The ceremony culminated in the highly anticipated Scholar of the Year Award presentation to three outstanding Montfort Boys Town graduates. Three outstanding students namely, Ashvin Kumar A/L Muraley, and You Wai Heng, as well as Niang Sian Lun Cing @ Lucy, who was from the Montfort Girls Centre, were selected for outstanding performance in all aspects of life and training at the institution.
Niang Sian Lun Cing @ Lucy was surprised by the announcement. “I’m very excited! I never expected to have these awards at all. I thank my guardians, and my teachers, especially Bro. Robin for instilling in me the values of a Montfort student. I’m not sure what I’m going do next, but I’m sure I’m still going to continue my studies and continue learning,” shared the jubilant Hospitality Training Programme graduate who also picked up the Eva Gomes Award and additional awards in recognition of her exemplary discipline.
Fellow Scholar of the Year award recipient, Ashvin Kumar said, “I’m so happy. This is after two years of hard work. I faced a lot of challenges, but I worked hard to build my confidence and told myself not to give up. My friends, teachers and the staff at Montfort Boys Town, especially our Student Affairs Officer, Mr Anand, helped me a lot. I wish to encourage my juniors to keep going and remember that nothing is impossible,” said the Montfort Boys Town Electrical Training Programme graduate.
You Wai Heng, a Graphic Design and Multimedia Training Programme graduate and Scholar of the Year award recipient, attributed his success to team work. “My friends and teachers guided me along the way. Especially Mr Arokiam, my mentor, who gave me tasks to help me develop my problem-solving skills and instilled good values in me,” shared You who also received the Bro Roberge award for exemplary leadership.
Montfort Boys Town is a holistic and nurturing learning institution dedicated to helping underprivileged youths grow in a positive and stimulating environment. The institution offers six signature training programmes. Students from the Bakery and Pastry, Hospitality, Electrical and Automotive Training Programmes are recognised under the Malaysian Skills Certificate or Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) accredited by the Department of Skills Development. Meanwhile, students from the Graphic Design and Multimedia, Mechanical Engineering, and Facilities Management Training Programmes graduate under the Montfort Boys Town endorsed in-house certificate.
The graduation ceremony was also graced by representatives from the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM), Montfort Boys Town Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ir Dr Philip Tan, Members of the Board of Governors, teachers, and families of the graduating students.
Montfort Boys Town will be welcoming new students in its June 2023 intake. For more information on the centre contact Mr S. Arul at 03-5519 1735/6, admin@montfort.org.my or 016 – 620 9244.