Practise for the future: Zaini during an interview. — YAP CHEE HONG
PETALING JAYA: Training is not a luxury, it is indeed a necessity, it was pointed out.
Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, in saying so, urged Malaysians to instil in themselves the spirit of lifelong learning.
“The most important asset for any nation is its people, not its natural resources or economic system. We must remember that investing in human capital improves our capabilities.
“We can’t do anything without human capital. Countries with no natural resources, on the other hand, can grow rapidly with good human capital development.
“So we must recognise the importance of human resource training,” he said in an interview.
According to Zaini, who is an environmental engineer, scientist and prolific writer, training was a prerequisite to many elements and “not just about our professions”.
In countries like Japan and Germany, he said training was a right of every employee just like days off and annual leave.
“It is required that each employee receives 60 hours of training per year, which equates to eight workdays. Employers must provide appropriate training for their employees.
“Workers who receive training make fewer mistakes and are more productive. This indirectly benefits the company because employees’ potential is maximised,” he said.
Zaini, who took over as secretary-general on April 19, said he wanted to assist in efforts to make training a priority so that no one assumed that it was a waste of time.
“I want to work with the government to ensure that our human resources are valued and treated properly.
“There are several departments and agencies under the ministry, and the Human Resources Development Corp (HRD Corp) has been at the forefront of developing a highly skilled knowledge-based workforce through upskilling and reskilling programmes.
“In a recent meeting with TalentCorp Malaysia, we discussed our world-class professionals such as engineers capable of building railways and those skilled in petrochemical and oil and gas exploration.
“We want to strengthen this so that they are serving not only the country but also the world,” he said, adding that this would also help Malaysia to reduce its reliance on low-skilled foreign workers.
With the ministry being entrusted with technical and vocational education and training (TVET), he said it was a step forward in strengthening the ecosystem for upskilling, reskilling, and multi-skilling for trainers and trainees.
“Based on the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) under the regulation of the Skills Development Department, those on the job can improve their skill levels accordingly, which is equivalent to diploma level and further, without attending university.
“They are trained through the HRD Corp’s system and a few other TVET institutions in the country.
“With over 1,200 TVET providers across the country, we will be able to streamline and attract those who are interested in joining, as well as ensure employers recognise the skills and capabilities.”
At the same time, Zaini said he wanted to make TVET a formal education option for students after high school.
“TVET should not be the last resort when all other options have been exhausted. Instead, a student who is struggling academically knows he can take this route and focus on his strengths, such as electrical and wiring or hairstyling.”
All stakeholders must recognise that academic training should not be the only focus, he said.
“The perception of university studies as a requirement should change,” he added.
“Academic achievement alone should not be used to evaluate students. There should be other options, which is where TVET comes in.”
While HRD Corp provides on-the-job training, Zaini said the Skills Development Department offered several options for school-leavers or current employees, including the National Dual Training System programme, which combines 70% workplace and 30% institutional training.
“Those who meet the criteria are offered apprenticeships by a sponsoring company.
“Many graduates went on to become qualified professionals with high pay,” he said, adding that some even went on to become company directors.
Zaini said both employers and workers shared the responsibility to improve TVET, which would strengthen the workforce.
“We should not be all theoretical, instead we should provide examples of how training can benefit everyone.
“Since HRD Corp is mandated with on-the-job training in the country, they must also know what should be trained and whether the trainers can do it.
“Then HRD Corp can manage the funds and provide platforms to match training and participants, while course providers must be able to come and teach,” he said.
The government is targeting 35% of highly skilled Malaysian workers by 2030.
