KUCHING: In a bid to empower the local community and strengthen technical education, Mas Gading Community College (KKMG) has initiated a collaborative effort with Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEX) Lundu.
This partnership aims to address pressing issues such as reducing school dropout rates and encouraging Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates to pursue higher education.
Director of KKMG, Khalid Husseine Tuah, emphasised the importance of a collective approach involving government agencies, private organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community leaders.
Speaking during a scientific visit and courtesy call on CENTEX Lundu, Khalid underscored the need for all stakeholders to encourage SPM graduates to develop their skills and knowledge to meet the nation’s demand for a skilled workforce.
“Parents also play a crucial role in motivating their children to pursue higher education and secure a brighter future,” Khalid noted.
The visit served as a platform for strategic collaboration between KKMG and CENTEX Lundu. Both institutions explored ways to introduce relevant courses and jointly upskill students after completing community college programmes.
The ultimate goal is to align students’ capabilities with industry requirements, ensuring better job prospects.
Khalid also highlighted the potential for cooperation through Lifelong Learning Programmes (PSH), which aim to enhance community skills and contribute to local development.
The KKMG delegation, which included 14 officers and industrial training students, was welcomed by the head of the CENTEX Lundu campus.
The visit featured in-depth discussions on potential partnerships with CENTEX Lundu, the private sector, and government agencies to further advance the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
“This collaboration is crucial in strengthening vocational education and technical training, which is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s human capital development strategy,” Khalid added.
The visit concluded with KKMG expressing gratitude to the CENTEX Lundu management for their hospitality and willingness to explore future collaboration opportunities.
“We hope this visit will pave the way for more initiatives that benefit all stakeholders, particularly in our collective efforts to advance education and training in Malaysia,” he said.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing local educational opportunities and empowering the community, with KKMG and CENTEX Lundu playing vital roles in nurturing skilled talent for the nation’s future.
