Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak (centre) together with Sim (right) posing for a photo with students participating in the YES! Rock The School Mega Edition Penang 2024 programme.
NIBONG TEBAL: Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), a strategic agency and think tank under the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), is advancing its YES! Rock the School initiative in collaboration with the Education Ministry.
Following successful implementations in Kedah, Pahang and Johor, the programme is now actively extended in Penang through partnerships with the Penang state government and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Targeted at primary and secondary school students, the initiative aims to provide industry exposure and ignite interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Aligned with Penang’s vision to cultivate future-ready talent for high-tech industries, the programme equips students with valuable industry insights and knowledge.
These efforts reflect Kesuma’s commitment to preparing the future workforce by engaging schools to shape the talent pipeline.
As the labour market will ultimately receive these students, it is crucial to influence the type of skills entering the workforce.
The opening ceremony of YES! Rock the School Mega Penang 2024 was officiated by Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
During the event, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to tackling underemployment early through collaborative initiatives.
“It’s crucial to align skills with industry needs so that Malaysians can fully benefit from skills development and higher education, leading to fulfilling careers that meet their expectations and aspirations,” said Sim.
He also announced that following this programme, TalentCorp will introduce comprehensive career guidance through the TalentCorp’s YES! Counsellors initiative by January 2025.
In collaboration with institutions of higher learning and the private sector, this initiative will equip school counsellors with insights into industry trends and emerging technologies, enabling them to guide students more effectively.
In the first phase of the pilot, 168 school counsellors from 127 secondary schools in Penang will be trained to provide enhanced career coaching.
This will not only benefit over 100,000 secondary school students but also certify counsellors as master trainers, ensuring the programme’s sustainability. After its pilot in Penang, the YES! Counsellors initiative will be rolled out nationwide with the support of the Education Ministry.
TalentCorp group chief executive officer Thomas Mathew said that the agency will leverage its resources and tools, including the Critical Occupations List, the National Skills Registry, MyNext, the sector-based MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Councils and the forthcoming MyMAHIR Future Skills Framework, to maximise the potential of local talent and build a productive future workforce.
“The YES! Rock the School programme adopts a holistic approach by targeting both school students and counsellors. This ensures we nurture talent throughout their entire educational and professional journey,” he shared.
The YES! Rock the School Mega Penang 2024 is a two-day event attended by over 550 students and more than 150 teachers and school counsellors from 34 schools in Penang.
Organised by TalentCorp and its industry partners, the programme features activities aimed at boosting career awareness and helping students make informed decisions about STEM-related careers.
This initiative supports the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint, aligns with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and complements the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Penang Trade, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, Kesuma secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Penang education state department director Datuk Abdul Said Hussain, TalentCorp’s deputy chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar and USM industry and community network deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Azlan Amran.
For more information, visit www.talentcorp.com.my/rts
