Celebrating achievers: Chong delivering his speech during the VTAR Institute 25th graduation ceremony at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur. - YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes should be treated on par with purely academic education, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
The MCA secretary-general said countries could not just depend on academic pursuits, adding that a correct balance was needed.
“Any advanced country needs skilled workers to build, create and manufacture. Malaysia is falling behind when it comes to the number of skilled workers compared with market demand.
“Parents too are encouraged to explore education opportunities, for both academic or TVET pursuits. Treat them as being on par,” he told reporters at the VTAR Institute 25th graduation ceremony at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Chong said TVET programmes potentially provided more secure jobs and incomes due to the specific skills set gained.
“We want to change parents and the community’s perception of TVET. There is a bright future for TVET graduates.
“It’s not easy to change mindsets but we should strive towards that,” he said, adding that the number of students at VTAR Institute had reached full capacity.In his speech during the ceremony, Chong said the youth were the driving force of the nation and would take charge of steering the country towards a better future.“The vocational courses at VTAR puts high emphasis on practical skills development, besides theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom.
“Students will get more hands-on experience, allowing them to better understand and meet industry requirements,” he said.
Congratulating the graduates, Chong said he was confident that all would play a part in addressing the needs and challenges of the nation.
VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang said the programmes were planned based on current industry needs.
“It is customised and tailored towards market demand. This model also helps speed up TVET training while also playing a role in nation building,” she said.
She added that VTAR students also took part in extracurricular activities and social responsibility projects at old folk’s homes, orphanages and helped the disabled and Orang Asli communities.
“The students utilise the skills learned to contribute to a sustainable society and they become important players in nation-building,” she said in her speech.
Tan said there were good reviews of VTAR students currently undergoing internships.
“Their supervisors told me that the students have a good attitude and had already been offered fulltime employment contracts even before they completed their final exams.
“Some of our graduates were unable to attend today’s ceremony as they have already started working despite not receiving their certificates,” she added.
Thanking the MCA leadership and VTAR board of directors, Tan said they had helped the institute achieve many milestones to become what it is today.
“To our dear graduates, sincere congratulations to all of you. Always stay humble, work hard and serve wholeheartedly with integrity and honesty.
“Remember to always be grateful, think positively and build your attitude as it will help you be successful in life,” she said.
The ceremony at the Dewan San Choon saw 256 graduates receiving their scrolls. Also present were VTAR Institute chairman Soon Mon Huay, VTAR Institute directors Lim Kit Siong and Daniel Wa Wai How, as well as Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei.
