Gilded recognition: Fadillah (centre) presenting the Anugerah Tokoh Mahir 2024 award to Sri Ganes (third from right) at the Prime Minister’s Golden Hands Award and Tokoh Mahir 2024 Award ceremony. Also present was Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (second from left). — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The man who pioneered a concept that enabled many students to undergo skills training without upfront payment has been accorded the Tokoh Mahir (Skilled Person) 2024 Award.Malaysian Skills Foundation president Datuk P. Sri Ganes was recognised for his efforts to empower TVET (technical and vocational education and training).
He received the award from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the Prime Minister’s Golden Hands Award and Tokoh Mahir 2024 Award ceremony in Putrajaya on Wednesday.
Sri Ganes expressed his gratitude for the recognition, which acknowledges his commitment since 1999 to producing highly skilled workers to meet industry demands.
“TVET provides opportunities for high-income jobs, thus bridging the gap between skills and industry needs,” said Sri Ganes, who took home a cash prize of RM15,000, in a statement.
As the founder and chief executive officer of SG Education Group, he has spearheaded various educational innovations, including the “study now, pay later” concept that gives students access to skills training without initial payment.
This initiative aims to open doors for more individuals to pursue their dreams without financial constraints.
His training institution now offers various relevant programmes, including new technology fields such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, aimed at equipping skilled talent in line with current industry needs.
Additionally, Sri Ganes emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen TVET.
“Continuous support from the government and industry sectors is key to the success of flexible and effective TVET programmes.
“Practical training opportunities, exposure to the latest technology and global access need to be enhanced to ensure our graduates are ready to face challenges.”
Recognising the need to stay relevant in an ever-evolving technological world, Sri Ganes became a pioneer by introducing the first drone skills programme in Malaysia in 2016.
This programme was accredited by the Skills Department in 2019, making SG Education Group the first institution in the country to offer nationally recognised drone training.
Sri Ganes, who is also IoT Association of Malaysia deputy president, called on the public to view TVET as a career path with great potential.
