Kuala Lumpur, 13 December 2023 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), Sime Darby Property Berhad (SDP), and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), celebrated the success of the technical and vocational education training (TVET) scholars under the YSD Skill Enrichment programme at the TVET Talent Certificate Ceremony held today at Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) Wilayah Tengah. The event marked a significant milestone in the journey of 20 graduates from underprivileged backgrounds who successfully completed their TVET certifications in Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation Level 2.
Gracing the occasion were YSD CEO Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, SDP General Manager Human Resource Meliza Mahmood, SDP Sustainability General Manager Dr Yasmin Rasyid, CIDB Malaysia Deputy Chief Executive Razuki Bin Ibrahim, and ABM senior representatives.
As the philanthropic arm of SDP, as well as Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and Sime Darby Berhad, YSD empowers underprivileged students with vocational and technical skills by awarding scholarships and bursaries. In collaboration with CIDB and SDP, the initiative focuses on providing quality vocational training to prepare youth to be well-rounded graduates who are ready for the demands of the workforce. YSD’s collaboration with CIDB and SDP, through a sponsorship of RM1.2 million that spans four years, including a two-year career tracer study aims to assist 71 underprivileged students and their families to come out of poverty.
Dr Yatela expressed her pride in the graduates’ achievements, stating that, “All 20 YSD TVET scholars had successfully graduated, and secured employment in reputable construction companies with the assistance SDP. I am happy to say that not only does SDP generously donate to YSD, they also assist us in ensuring long-term impact from the education assistance provided to these bright youth from B40 families. This collaborative achievement speaks to our commitment to TVET education, reinforcing our belief that TVET talent is the heartbeat of innovation, the driving force of progress, and the key to unlocking a future where skills shape success.”
SDP stands out as a Force for Good in the success of job placements for TVET graduates. By actively facilitating employment opportunities for graduating scholars, SDP ensures that TVET talent becomes an important contributor to the nation’s workforce, exemplifying the industry’s commitment to nurturing job-ready individuals for a highly skilled workforce. Datuk Lai Shu Wei expressed, “We are honoured to play an active role in the professional journey of these TVET graduates, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating talents that meet the industry demands and also significantly contribute to the nation’s progress and socio-economic development. This is in line with our Purpose to be a Value Multiplier for People, Businesses, Economies, and the Planet.”
The ceremony included the presentation of three special award categories to the students, TVET Excellence Award, Bright Star Award, and Vibrant Persona Award – recognising outstanding achievements in leadership, self-improvement, and interpersonal skills.
CIDB, the initiative’s training arm through ABM, expressed its commitment to the continuous success of TVET initiatives with corporate entities. Razuki Bin Ibrahim said, “Our graduates’ success is evident of the efficacy of TVET programmes in the country. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture highly skilled individuals in the construction industry, significantly contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth. Our strategic partnership with YSD exemplifies the public-private sectors collaboration crucial for building a robust and skilled workforce for the nation’s progress.”
The collaboration seeks to enhance the capacity and capability of the B40 target group by providing TVET programmes that will enhance knowledge and skills, paving the way for promising career paths and job opportunities. The courses implemented include:
• Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation Level 2
• Scaffold Erection Level 1
• Heavy Machineries Operation – Backhoe and Excavator
• Mobile Crane Operation Youth
Graduates, upon completion, are awarded the Sijil Kompetensi Kemahiran Pembinaan and are guaranteed job placements, primarily within SDP's vendor companies. Notably, five of these companies actively participated in the event to demonstrate their support, underlining the strong potential for employment opportunities within this network of partners, both in the public and private sectors.
Through YSD’s collaborative efforts with key stakeholders in the field of TVET, the YSD Skill Enrichment programme reinforces the belief that TVET is not just an alternative but a pathway to success, filled with substantial value and opportunities for both individuals and the nation. Since the foundation’s inception in 1982, YSD has awarded 5,819 scholarships and bursaries worth more than RM374 million to outstanding and deserving students. Out of this, RM37 million has been committed to TVET education, propelling 1,412 talented individuals on their vocational education journeys, and igniting a wave of change in Malaysia’s workforce landscape.
