THE National Training Week 2023 (NTW 2023) has been successfully launched today at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) to further strengthen human capital development.
The NTW 2023 is implemented nationwide by the Ministry of Human Resources and HRD Corp until May 26.
PSDC management council chairman Solomon Lorthu said PSDC is committed to producing a skilled and talented workforce to support the growing demand of Penang’s industry.
“Over the past 34 years, PSDC has trained 257,553 participants through 13,348 courses and you can see how amazing this institution has been over the years.
“I encourage everyone, our key industry players, to take the lead in developing the talents that you have through PSDC.
“We can work together to create training and development programmes that can be tailored according to your requirements,” Lorthu said during the state-level NTW 2023 launching ceremony at PSDC.
Lorthu added that for the National Training Week, the PSDC would be offering three complimentary trainings, namely Technical Drawing, Microsoft Excel, and Healthy Habits, Happy Heart.
It is understood that PSDC has trained 4,768 participants through 254 training programmes since the beginning of this year.
Meanwhile, it will be conducting 42 training programmes during the NTW 2023.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the chief guest at the launching ceremony, highlighted the importance of coaching and learning.
“They will be the pathway to lifelong success.
“The NTW 2023 is a remarkable nationwide initiative which aims to promote lifelong learning.
“It is also to equip Malaysians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers and lives.
“The importance of education, encompassing the acquisition of skills such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving cannot be overstated.
“Education enhances productivity and leads to higher economic growth.
“This has been the formula for Penang’s successes, especially in the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector since the early 70s,” Chow said during his speech.
Chow also said that since its establishment in 1989, PSDC has been at the forefront of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) development in Penang, even before the term became common.
“PSDC has provided reskilling and upskilling programmes to world-class multinational corporations, as well as to small, medium, and large enterprises locally.
“It brings me great pleasure to learn that over a quarter-million participants have benefited from its classrooms since then.
“The Penang government has committed to sponsoring RM2 million for the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programme which aims to upskill SPM school leavers and the existing workforce, equipping them with internationally-recognised skills and competencies.
“If I am given another chance to lead the state, I would like to have a new portfolio for myself.
“I would love to spearhead and drive the ‘Human Talent Development’ portfolio,” Chow said.
Chow also shared that the PSDC and Penang STEM have played pivotal roles in supporting the talent development agenda of the state government as well as the Ministry of Human Resources.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting