A VISION-INSPECTION equipment maker, ViTrox Corporation Berhad has launched its own education centre, ViTrox College, today.
It is located at the same site as its plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP).
ViTrox chief executive officer and president Chu Jenn Weng said the college would provide industry-centric, inspiring and inclusive education with a strong emphasis on promoting a practical learning environment.
“ViTrox College is set up to bridge the education and industry systems by applying classroom practices relevant to the actual day-to-day work in the industry.
“The college can cater to more than 500 students.
“The Penang government has set a bold vision for the future with its Penang2030 vision. And ViTrox is proud to support this vision.
“One of the critical concerns facing the state and the industry is the need for more engineering talents with the right skills and attitudes. And this is where ViTrox College comes in.
“Our mission at ViTrox College is to educate and equip the next generation of leaders with the technical skills and humanistic values they need to drive innovation and contribute to the advancement of society and the well-being of mankind,” Chu said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the ViTrox College today.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) (investment development) deputy chief executive officer Lim Bee Vian, ViTrox chairman Datuk Seri Dr Kelvin Kiew Kwong Sen and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
According to Chu, ViTrox College offered three diploma courses as of now.
“They are Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering, Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Diploma in Electronic Engineering (machine vision).
“All of these courses have already obtained the Malaysian Qualification Accreditation (MQA) certification.
“For the first intake, nine students started their first semester on Jan 9 this year.
“We have plan to add more courses in the future such as information technology, computer science, industry management and others.
“But, our primary objective is to add programmes that are related to the engineering and technical fields,” he added.
Chu also announced that ViTrox Corporation Berhad has contributed RM1.69 million to ViTrox Foundation last year.
“From that amount, ViTrox Foundation will set aside RM500,000 this year to support underprivileged students who wish to further their education at ViTrox College.
“This investment will give these students an opportunity to receive quality education, develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and make a positive impact on their communities,” Chu added.
Chow congratulates the company for its grand opening of ViTrox College.
“It is a new industry-centric education institution that strongly focuses on a practical learning environment.
“My heartiest congratulations go to ViTrox for its continuous efforts in supporting the talent agenda and bringing ViTrox College to fruition,” he said.
According to Chow, since its inception in 2000, ViTrox has been committed to bridging and reinforcing the link between the industry and academia.
“Buoyed by over two decades of industrial experience, ViTrox’s competency in providing the resources, up-to-date knowledge and skills is capable of setting up a work-based learning college that bridges the gap between education and industry systems.
“Banking on that, ViTrox College can play a vital role in attracting talent and training them to become skilled workers.
“This will solidify Penang’s position as a talent magnet in the northern region.
“This is also in line with the all-rounded talent pool agenda that the state constantly advocates.
“I am hopeful for ViTrox College’s capabilities in nurturing local talents and developing an innovative community,” he said.
Chow welcomed the support from the industry to provide quality education opportunities for underprivileged students too.
“This will enable equal access to all, which is essential to help the students reach their full potential.
“We look forward to an increased participation from the industry players supporting the talent agenda in Penang,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad