Producing skilled human capital and establishing world-class, high-tech Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by leveraging technology and strategic public-private partnerships can strengthen the skills training sector, boosting the nation’s workforce competitiveness, said Minister of Human Resources (KESUMA) YB Steven Sim Chee Keong.
KESUMA’s training arm, the Manpower Department (JTM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) to integrate high-tech infrastructure and transfer ICT knowledge in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks, cloud computing, big data, transmission, and IoT into Malaysia’s government based TVET ecosystem.
JTM is in the midst of discussions with Huawei on the first TVET Huawei Learning Centre which is expected to be established soon at Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kuala Lumpur. This TVET Huawei Learning Centre located at the JTM Training Institution aims to offer Huawei certified courses, with Huawei instructors presenting modules on telecommunications technologies, such as transmission, for a start. Training will soon be conducted jointly with trainers from JTM Training Institutions, upon their certification as Huawei certified trainers.
The first batch of 2,000 trainees are expected to receive both theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on training on Huawei equipment at the TVET Huawei Learning Centre. This will include industry engineers, new employees, TVET teachers and students. Trainees will be required to pass assessments and gain certifications developed by Huawei, JTM and relevant JTM institutes – giving them valuable credentials that strengthen their competitiveness in the job market and opens pathways to high-value roles in the ICT industry.
This collaboration will also see the future establishment of other TVET Huawei Learning Centres at other JTM Training Institutions for other modules which integrate hands-on training in emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data centres, 5G and other fields that are shaping the future of every industry.
“The Government recognises the need to strengthen Malaysia’s skills training sector by establishing world-class, high-tech TVET institutions and equipping Malaysians with 21st-century skills in AI, digitalisation, and the green economy,” Sim said.
“Through this collaboration with Huawei Malaysia, KESUMA is walking the talk and putting words into action. Our objective is to leverage Huawei’s global expertise in ICT to harness 5G networks and cutting-edge technologies, enhancing TVET institutions across the country, The steps we are taking in this partnership with Huawei Malaysia is in line with the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030’s five strategic thrusts,” he added.
Mr Simon Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Malaysia, highlighted that talents are a strategic asset that should be nurtured with the same intensity as product development, adding that Huawei has created an ecosystem for upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling that can be adapted across different local markets.
“Huawei Malaysia is honoured to partner with JTM under KESUMA to facilitate the transfer of ICT knowledge and skills to instructors and students across the nation. We look forward to working closely with JTM – sharing the valuable experience we have learned – to empower the next generation of Malaysian talents with the skills that will be in high demand as the world continues on the path of digital transformation,” he said.
“The skills acquired here will be a powerful endorsement that will significantly enhance the recipients’ competitive edge, equipping them with credentials valued by employers and opening doors to high-value roles in the ICT industry,” he added.
Under the partnership, Huawei Malaysia will work with KESUMA to upgrade the network infrastructure for JTM Training Institutions, starting with ILP Pasir Gudang and ILP Pasir Gudang Senai Campus in Johor.
Among the high-tech infrastructure upgrades that are planned to be prioritised at these TVET campuses are smart classrooms and smart campuses with high-speed 5G and Wi-fi 7 technologies. TVET data centres will also be established to streamline training delivery, optimise resources, and improve operational efficiencies. Improved connectivity will open up wider opportunities for smart education and enable remote interactions, hybrid interactive teaching modes, as well as access to Huawei’s extensive online education resources.
Additionally, the partnership will also explore AI-powered call centre capabilities focused on customer experience management. By incorporating AI technologies into workforce training, talents will be better equipped to support Malaysia’s rapidly advancing digital infrastructure.
To further enhance workforce readiness, Huawei Malaysia will also collaborate with JTM under the Huawei ICT Academy initiative, offering students practical industry exposure.
The MoU exchange ceremony marking the collaboration was held at the Malaysia-China Summit 2024. It follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent discussions in Beijing with Huawei’s top management, which focused on advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions and cultivating a resilient, globally competitive workforce.